Rachel Rachel Rachel All Rachel Rachel The Rachel Time Rachel!...2010!!

[Hermes]

...ALL the news ALL the time about super filly and colt slayer Rachel Alexandra. Jess Jackson press announcements will be posted here as well.

DRF and Jay Privman say Trainers Fear Filly!!!!
Asmussen said he will work her Sunday or Monday because, well, that's what works for his barn.

Note subtle sarcasm from the intrepid reporter at bottom of story.

http://www.drf.com/news/article/103602.html

This has nothing about Rachel per se but it's damn funny stuff.

http://www.indiancharlie.com/newsletter.html

Gin, I want to stay at 1500 posts for a minute....but do you detect my sarcasm? :tongue:

[GinTalking]

That's not sarcasm. That would appear to be the truth. How many threads are there on the itnernet going about Rachel? Enough said.

LOL I see 9 or 10 on this page alone. Nah, no one's obsessed. :wink:

[seahawkgal]

Can you blame them?
:laugh:

[second_glance]

Jess is now "skeptical" about running Rachel in the Preakness, or the Belmont, or . . .

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/horses/triple/preakness/2009-05-07-alexandra-owners_N.htm

I hear the merry-go-round music starting up.

[Commentator]

"Running fillies against boys isn't always the best choice. I've been watching racing since 1939, and I've seen a lot of disastrous things happen."
...
"I'm quite aware that winning a classic race against males would assure her consideration as Horse of the Year," he said. "But it doesn't add any value to us except for her foals."

Jackson is motivated by Rachel Alexandra's breeding prospects, calling her a "perfect mate" for Curlin, the two-time Horse of the Year he retired after last season.

"Curlin certainly represents a super horse," he said. "There aren't many that come along like him. And I don't think you will see another like her."Here we go!

[Somnambulist]

I dislike people who think they're doing a favor to the world just by being alive (as to Jackson).

[seahawkgal]

"Running fillies against boys isn't always the best choice. I've been watching racing since 1939, and I've seen a lot of disastrous things happen."
...



Glad my owners didn't think this way.
Sincerely,
Genuine Risk, Miesque, Winning Colors, Personal Ensign, Rags To Riches

[second_glance]

"Running fillies against boys isn't always the best choice. I've been watching racing since 1939, and I've seen a lot of disastrous things happen."
...
"I'm quite aware that winning a classic race against males would assure her consideration as Horse of the Year," he said. "But it doesn't add any value to us except for her foals."

Jackson is motivated by Rachel Alexandra's breeding prospects, calling her a "perfect mate" for Curlin, the two-time Horse of the Year he retired after last season.

"Curlin certainly represents a super horse," he said. "There aren't many that come along like him. And I don't think you will see another like her."Here we go!


Maybe we should start an over/under on how many races Rachel will actually run in, as opposed to being entered in, or talked (endlessly) about being entered in.

[second_glance]

"Running fillies against boys isn't always the best choice. I've been watching racing since 1939, and I've seen a lot of disastrous things happen."
...



Glad my owners didn't think this way.
Sincerely,
Genuine Risk, Miesque, Winning Colors, Personal Ensign, Rags To Riches


Zarkava, Goldikova, Evita Argentina

[Somnambulist]

Someone should also let Jackson know Curlin was definitely not a superhorse. Normally I don't let connections influence whether or not I like a horse, but in this case it was unavoidable.

[Rick1323]

I think I threw up in my mouth a little.

[seahawkgal]

"Running fillies against boys isn't always the best choice. I've been watching racing since 1939, and I've seen a lot of disastrous things happen."
...



Glad my owners didn't think this way.
Sincerely,
Genuine Risk, Miesque, Winning Colors, Personal Ensign, Rags To Riches



Zarkava, Goldikova, Evita Argentina

Touche

[pointgivenfan]

Evita Argentina?
Please.
Shuvee.

[Proud Appeal]

Makybe Diva
Ouija Board.

[Commentator]

Serena's Song, Miss Alleged, Dance Smartly, Safely Kept, Royal Heroine, Relaxing, Pebbles, Lady's Secret, Ta Wee, Gold Beauty, Althea, All Along... etc etc etc :tongue:

[seahawkgal]

So many ruined fillies and mares on this thread.
How dare they race them against the boys...
Them poor fragile girls.
:laugh:

[Hermes]

http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/788322.html

by Alicia Wincze - awincze@herald-leader.com

Trainer Hal Wiggins knew the moment was coming, but that didn't make the reality any easier.
Less than 12 hours after it was announced that wine mogul Jess Jackson had purchased Kentucky Oaks winner Rachel Alexandra, the filly was officially transferred from Wiggins to the barn of Steve Asmussen Thursday morning to begin the second half of her career with her new connections.
The bay filly departed Wiggins' barn at 5:15 a.m. and, shortly thereafter, galloped once around the Churchill Downs main track under exercise rider Dominic Terry.
"She is a graceful athlete; she moves like a ballerina and has the size of some of the colts," said Jackson, who purchased Rachel Alexandra in partnership with Harold McCormick. "I am looking forward to seeing her compete."
Jackson and McCormick bought the multiple graded stakes winner from Dolphus Morrison ? who bred the filly ? and his partner Mike Lauffer on Wednesday.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed as parties on both sides reportedly signed a confidentiality agreement.
For Wiggins, who had trained Rachel Alexandra to seven wins in 10 career starts including her 201/4-length romp in the Oaks, the sting of losing the best horse he ever trained was palpable.
"We have that empty stall right now and it's hard, but we all realize it's part of the business," said Wiggins. "There is an empty spot but we'll all get over it. We were blessed to have her and experience the joy of winning the Oaks here."
Soon after the sale became known, speculation was rampant that Rachel Alexandra's new owners would put up the $100,000 needed to supplement her into the Preakness Stakes.
However, Jackson and Asmussen both stated no decision had been made on where the filly would make her next start.
"The ink is not even dry yet," Jackson said. "The only decision was to bring her to Steve's barn."
"We just got her today and we have no timetable or any plans to announce at this time," Asmussen added.
Pimlico Race Course, the home of the Preakness, was contacted by a representative of Jackson's Stonestreet Stables on Tuesday inquiring about a supplement for an unspecified horse but has not heard from the camp since.
Rachel Alexandra entering the Preakness field could present a quandary for jockey Calvin Borel. Borel has been aboard the filly throughout her current five-race win streak but also guided Mine That Bird to his upset Kentucky Derby triumph.
"I talked with Calvin's agent (Jerry Hissam) and at this time they know nothing so we're just going to wait and see what happens," said Bennie "Chip" Woolley Jr., trainer of Mine That Bird. "I hate the situation for Calvin if it happens but I can't blame him one bit if he wants to ride that filly, can't blame him at all."
Still, even if Jackson and Co. opt to supplement Rachel Alexandra into the second leg of the Triple Crown, circumstances could keep her from facing the boys.
Since Rachel Alexandra is not Triple Crown-nominated, she could only get into the Preakness if less than 14 horses ? the maximum field size for the race ? are entered.
"I was trying to convince (trainer) Bob Baffert this morning (to enter more horses) because if we get 14 entries she'd be on the sidelines," joked Gary Stute, trainer of Papa Clem, who ran fourth in the Derby. "To be honest, it really disappointed me (when I heard of the possibility of her being entered) because ... I thought I had one heck of a shot in the Preakness. But I think that filly is in a different world than the rest of us."
As of Thursday, nine horses are listed as confirmed starters for the Preakness.
Trainer Larry Jones said he plans to work Louisiana Derby winner Friesan Fire ? who injured his left front foot during his 18th-place finish in the Kentucky Derby ? 5 furlongs at Pimlico on Tuesday then decide if he'll run in the Preakness.
"He is healing up very quickly," Jones said.
Baffert is scheduled to return to Louisville on Saturday night and could work Derby runner-up Pioneerof the Nile Monday before shipping to Maryland on Wednesday if he decides on a Preakness bid.
Others still considering the middle jewel are Tone It Down and Conservative.
Morrison, who also bred Rachel Alexandra's dam, Lotta Kim, stated he was flooded with "all kinds of goofy calls" after the filly's stirring Oaks triumph, but that the interest from Jackson manifested a couple of days ago.
While he acknowledged the decision to part with his first Grade I winner was difficult, Morrison explained "economically, it was not a dumb thing to do.
"We do feel a little like we've lost a member of our family but we still have the momma (Lotta Kim) and the half sister," he said. "We just decided to take advantage of a substantial offer.
"If they do (run her in the Preakness), that's their business," Morrison continued. "I think they'll take good care of this mare and I don't think, regardless, they would put her in a precarious position."

[Adieu]

So it sounds like there's a decent shot that she goes, which personally I think would make the race THAT much more intriguing. It should be interesting!!

[Somnambulist]

So it sounds like there's a decent shot that she goes, which personally I think would make the race THAT much more intriguing. It should be interesting!!


Most definitely. I think no matter where you stand on this whole issue, you can't deny this race will definitely be one of the biggest intrigues of the years.

[ShuveesGirl]

I think I threw up in my mouth a little.


Then that makes two of us.

Jackson is so full of crap I'm surprised he hasn't exploded yet.

[Hermes]

The other train of thought on a horse like Rachel, is she only has so many races in her like all of them and do you want to waste them beating allowance fillies in a gallop? Especially when Curlin is calling for her.

[Blue Jeans]

I'm telling myself there's no Preakness for Rachel. Trying to read between the lines from one article to the next, I just don't see it happening.

[second_glance]

I'm telling myself there's no Preakness for Rachel. Trying to read between the lines from one article to the next, I just don't see it happening.


I figure come Monday morning we'll start getting hourly updates on what the Rachel camp is thinking about doing Unless Zayat or someone else gets tired of it all and enters 6 horses over the weekend. :evil:

(I know, I know -- there are good reasons to wait to decide. But Jess, and the press reaction to Jess, can just be so friggin' annoying.)

[Hermes]

The man craves attention and 10 million goes a long way. Zayat has horses with Asmussen, too, so the whole deal is amusing to watch. But entries are Wed. and will not be taken til that morning. Typically the racing secretary's office is kept informed of intentions, but....:)

[second_glance]

The man craves attention and 10 million goes a long way. Zayat has horses with Asmussen, too, so the whole deal is amusing to watch. But entries are Wed. and will not be taken til that morning. Typically the racing secretary's office is kept informed of intentions, but....:)


Ah! Okay. For some reason I thought you could declare an entry (officially, as opposed to in the press) before then.

[Hermes]

The man craves attention and 10 million goes a long way. Zayat has horses with Asmussen, too, so the whole deal is amusing to watch. But entries are Wed. and will not be taken til that morning. Typically the racing secretary's office is kept informed of intentions, but....:)


Ah! Okay. For some reason I thought you could declare an entry (officially, as opposed to in the press) before then.


How incredibly obnoxious - and equally amusing - would it be for Zayat to tell Asmussen to enter a couple of colts that he has for Zayat....?

[ezgoerbaby]

I like this filly, but I hope they don't run her in the Preakness...or the Belmont for that matter...wait for fall (to face the boys) and wait for her to mature a bit more. Rushing her is the worst they can do, and I pray she is not the ill fated type.

[Hermes]

A plea to leave Calvin on her at least:

http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20090508/COLUMNISTS02/905080441/1037/rss0701

Jess has a complete disconnect from reality to use Asmussen in the first place when he runs around crusading for a drug free, transparent sport, but to dis Calvin, too, would prove a tin ear larger than his ego.

[ezgoerbaby]

A plea to leave Calvin on her at least:

http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20090508/COLUMNISTS02/905080441/1037/rss0701

Jess has a complete disconnect from reality to use Asmussen in the first place when he runs around crusading for a drug free, transparent sport, but to dis Calvin, too, would prove a tin ear larger than his ego.


I highly doubt Calvin stays on. They will use Albarado. Or Bridgmohan. You make a good point about Jackson using Asmussen when he is the crusader for "transparency". I think the reason people don't like him is he had a lot of money and bought his way in and immediately set out suing people left and right...and then bought a pretty damn nice race horse only a couple of years into it...however, I am happy that he chose to run Curlin another year...would've been nice to see Street Sense or Hard Spun or Any Given Saturday run on another year since they all retired perfectly sound as 3 year olds, but in this business that's the rule, not the exception it seems if you have a high class colt. Also, if they get Rachel in the winners' circle, I want to see if they give Hal Wiggins an ounce of credit. Don't think I ever heard anyone give Helen Pitts any. I could be wrong though. That happens on occasion. :wink:

[serenassong]

Interesting article on Bloodhorse:
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/racinghub/archive/2009/05/08/rachel-alexandra-the-greatest-filly.aspx

Guess which video is my fav, tee hee.

[second_glance]

Just saw an interview with Terry Finley of West Point Thoroughbreds on our local racing show (and obviously done before the sale or change in plans for RA). He said Justwhistledixie is back on the track and they'd very much like to send her in the Black-Eyed Susan at Pimlico the day before the Preakness. The Acorn is second choice because -- he made no bones about it -- they want no part of Rachel. Aside from the Acorn if necessary, they plan to stay away from Rachel as long as possible. He said he was a doubter before the Oaks, but now thinks RA could become the greatest filly ever.

Whether or not you agree with his assessment of RA's potential, he does reflect the problem Rachel will face this summer running against fillies. Connections of other 3yo fillies just aren't going to be very willing to face her.

[Hermes]

He was funny after the Oaks. Said he was so upset form 2-3P when they scratched her and were trying to figure out her foot issue, then as Rachel came down the stretch he said, "I was really happy that our filly was eating dinner."

[Blue Jeans]

He was funny after the Oaks. Said he was so upset form 2-3P when they scratched her and were trying to figure out her foot issue, then as Rachel came down the stretch he said, "I was really happy that our filly was eating dinner."


Okay, I'm getting over the shock of the last two days ... and a bad cold! I love "Dixie", so let Dixie go for the Triple Tiara, and to heck with RA! There was no doubt RA was scaring the whole bunch away! :laugh:

[Hermes]

SI's Tim Laydon on her sale and Calvin deciding to rider her in Preakness or any where she goes - this is a really informative and fun read BTW:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/tim_layden/05/08/preakness.intrigue/index.html?eref=writers

Excerpt:
What was that number? Morrison and Jackson signed a confidentiality agreement. One published report set the sale price at between $3 million and $4 million. "That's laughably low,'' said Morrison. "It wouldn't pay the tax on the sale.'' Backstretch sources, not always reliable on any issue, set the sale price at between $10 million and $12 million. "You keep guessing,'' said Morrison. "I'm a man of my word and I promised I would not reveal the price.''

[1/8-pole]

In Europe they run the best fillys against the colts all the time. Why so sexist here?

[Hermes]

In Europe they run the best fillys against the colts all the time. Why so sexist here?


Because they don't here? And in Europe they don't run hard all the way on dirt, but gallop and then quicken at the end of soft turf? and young 3 yr old fillies don't go that often against colts, but wait for the fall or at least summer?

[1/8-pole]

In Europe they run the best fillys against the colts all the time. Why so sexist here?


Because they don't here? And in Europe they don't run hard all the way on dirt, but gallop and then quicken at the end of soft turf?


A horse is a horse and 3yo fillys are sometimes better than a 3yo colt. Like in humans they mature faster. I wish we werent so stuck on sex here. A female is sometimes better than a male. And I think this filly will prove that. But time will tell. For once I'm on the ladies side. :kiss: :wink:

[Hermes]

I think she might be better but is going to be tested not at her best on 2 weeks back. But no one likes the 2 weeks back for any of them.

[Somnambulist]

I think she might be better but is going to be tested not at her best on 2 weeks back. But no one likes the 2 weeks back for any of them.


Bingo.

[Quiet Chris]

I think she might be better but is going to be tested not at her best on 2 weeks back. But no one likes the 2 weeks back for any of them.


Bingo.




Almost all of the good ones in the Preakness are coming back in 2 weeks off much harder races on a much more tiring track at a longer distance. 2 weeks is no excuse. She actually has an advantage over the colts who have a day less and ran a much more difficult race.

[Hermes]

I think she might be better but is going to be tested not at her best on 2 weeks back. But no one likes the 2 weeks back for any of them.


Bingo.




Almost all of the good ones in the Preakness are coming back in 2 weeks off much harder races on a much more tiring track at a longer distance. 2 weeks is no excuse. She actually has an advantage over the colts who have a day less and ran a much more difficult race.


That one day will make a huge difference, won't it? The sheet guys as Point Outlook mentioned, think she ran a huge race and could regress. I would say a couple of those colts did not run a step;)

Woolley will name Borel at entry (a double call) and Smith will ride if Rachel gets bumped or does not go.

[ShuveesGirl]

I think she might be better but is going to be tested not at her best on 2 weeks back. But no one likes the 2 weeks back for any of them.



?You only get one chance with the Derby, Preakness, and Belmont, and with my stable I don?t know if I?ll get too many more opportunities,? Stute said. ?Most of my horses are claiming horses and most of them are used to running back in two weeks so to be honest I?m kind of anxious to run this horse back in two weeks. I thought the Preakness would be the perfect distance for my horse and my dad?s two-for-two; he won the Preakness and the Dixie (Kadial, 1988) there. So far, at least at Pimlico, the Stutes are undefeated.?

[1/8-pole]

I think she might be better but is going to be tested not at her best on 2 weeks back. But no one likes the 2 weeks back for any of them.


Bingo.




Almost all of the good ones in the Preakness are coming back in 2 weeks off much harder races on a much more tiring track at a longer distance. 2 weeks is no excuse. She actually has an advantage over the colts who have a day less and ran a much more difficult race.


BINGO!!!!!

[second_glance]

SI's Tim Laydon on her sale and Calvin deciding to rider her in Preakness or any where she goes - this is a really informative and fun read BTW:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/tim_layden/05/08/preakness.intrigue/index.html?eref=writers

Excerpt:
What was that number? Morrison and Jackson signed a confidentiality agreement. One published report set the sale price at between $3 million and $4 million. "That's laughably low,'' said Morrison. "It wouldn't pay the tax on the sale.'' Backstretch sources, not always reliable on any issue, set the sale price at between $10 million and $12 million. "You keep guessing,'' said Morrison. "I'm a man of my word and I promised I would not reveal the price.''



Thanks so much for the link!

Wildon Woolley?!?

And: "Standing outside the barn Friday, Mark Allen, one of Mine That Bird's co-owners, was asking where Jackson made his money. First in real estate law, then in wines, Kendall-Jackson, he was told. "Kendall-Jackson?'' asked Allen. "Well, then, I about made him rich by myself.''"

ROTFL!

[Hermes]

I think she might be better but is going to be tested not at her best on 2 weeks back. But no one likes the 2 weeks back for any of them.



?You only get one chance with the Derby, Preakness, and Belmont, and with my stable I don?t know if I?ll get too many more opportunities,? Stute said. ?Most of my horses are claiming horses and most of them are used to running back in two weeks so to be honest I?m kind of anxious to run this horse back in two weeks. I thought the Preakness would be the perfect distance for my horse and my dad?s two-for-two; he won the Preakness and the Dixie (Kadial, 1988) there. So far, at least at Pimlico, the Stutes are undefeated.?


I saw that and I wonder how often Stute has run Papa Clem back in two weeks?

[second_glance]

I think she might be better but is going to be tested not at her best on 2 weeks back. But no one likes the 2 weeks back for any of them.



?You only get one chance with the Derby, Preakness, and Belmont, and with my stable I don?t know if I?ll get too many more opportunities,? Stute said. ?Most of my horses are claiming horses and most of them are used to running back in two weeks so to be honest I?m kind of anxious to run this horse back in two weeks. I thought the Preakness would be the perfect distance for my horse and my dad?s two-for-two; he won the Preakness and the Dixie (Kadial, 1988) there. So far, at least at Pimlico, the Stutes are undefeated.?


I saw that and I wonder how often Stute has run Papa Clem back in two weeks?


And how many of his 2-week turn-arounds are running 9.5 and 10F races.

[Hermes]

http://www.drf.com/news/article/103660.html

Churchill Downs | Posted 5/10/2009, 8:30 am
Rachel works sharp half-mile at Churchill
By Marty McGee
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Rachel Alexandra could very well be on her way to the Preakness after breezing a sharp half-mile in 48.40 seconds early Sunday over a fast Churchill Downs racetrack.

Trainer Steve Asmussen deferred comment until later in the morning, saying he needed to consult first with owner Jess Jackson, but both men previously have said that if Rachel Alexandra continues to flourish, she will make her next start Saturday in the 134th Preakness at Pimlico in Baltimore.

In her first workout since her smashing Kentucky Oaks victory and since being purchased by a partnership headed by Jackson's Stonestreet Stables, Rachel Alexandra came onto the track with exercise rider Dominic Terry aboard at about 6:25 a.m. Eastern. Entering the backstretch, she was full of energy, and by the time she passed the half-mile pole, she was in full flight. She proceeded through fractions of 12.40 and 24.40 seconds, and down the stretch her ears were pricked with Terry high and virtually motionless in the saddle. She galloped out five furlongs in 1:02.

Along with other Kentucky-based horses, including several other Preakness prospects, Rachel Alexandra is tentatively booked on a Tex Sutton charter flight to Baltimore on Wednesday morning.

Rachel Alexandra, a 20 1/4-length winner of the May 1 Oaks for her former trainer, Hal Wiggins, was bought for an undisclosed sum last week by Stonestreet and partner Harold T. McCormick. Because she is not nominated to the Triple Crown, the filly would have to be supplemented to the Preakness for a $100,000 fee.

Jockey Calvin Borel has chosen to ride Rachel Alexandra in the Preakness over Mine That Bird, the gelding he rode to a 50-1 upset in the Kentucky Derby the day after the Oaks.

Asmussen said he has changed cell phone numbers because of the tremendous amount of interest generated by the sale of Rachel Alexandra and the possibility of her running against males in the Preakness.

[luvsgeldings]

lets see if she gets in the preakness field - sounds like zayat is going to try his best to keep her out - by the way, i think this guy is a spoiled pompous jerk.

[Songbird]

It would certainly be super if people actually put all the Rachel Alexandra news into one thread, instead of having 15 about her. It is getting tiresome to have so many threads on one subject. Having one big thread is a great idea.

[Hermes]

It would certainly be super if people actually put all the Rachel Alexandra news into one thread, instead of having 15 about her. It is getting tiresome to have so many threads on one subject. Having one big thread is a great idea.

Well this should be it then as it has her name in the subject heading more than any other and I am going to add it again for good measure! But I am too old to think I can control where and what anyone else chooses to post;)

[Songbird]

It would certainly be super if people actually put all the Rachel Alexandra news into one thread, instead of having 15 about her. It is getting tiresome to have so many threads on one subject. Having one big thread is a great idea.

Well this should be it then as it has her name in the subject heading more than any other and I am going to add it again for good measure! But I am too old to think I can control where and what anyone else chooses to post;)


I'm willing to bet that another Rachel Alexandra thread pops up before the weekend is over. That said, I'm guessing at least 5, if not 10, before the Preakness is run.

[waynetrain2]

I saw all of the information on the workout this morning and the article on bloodhorse.com but did anyone actually see the workout? How did it look? Is there anywhere I can see a video on youtube or something?

Also, the Players Championship just came on and they did a short segment on all of the developments for the Preakness. I know NBC is covering the Preakness but I thought it was great press for the race and could definitely get non racing fans very interested.

[Hermes]

Lesson of the day? Do not screw with Rachel or her fans :evil:

[Railbird]

Lesson of the day? Do not screw with Rachel or her fans :evil:


Guess they're all just gonna have to grow a set and run against her :evil:

[Matt Converse]

(Shaking my head.) WHAT a drama! Things happen for a reason I guess. If the orginal owners had run her in the Derby or even nominated her none of this would be happening right now. So I guess this is the way it was meant to be. She certainly is spicing up the Preakness. After all this, dang I hope she runs well. This has been a real roller coaster. I'm going to be so freaking nervous for this race.

[Dusty]

She is a RUNNER and loves to run - two weeks is a bit short but I think she can do it - but if she were mine - NO WAY would I run her here - wait for the Belmont - every one is gunning for her - not the best spot and too soon - I don't care that every one thinks her last race was a romp - she really did run!

[Spook Express]

I can't say I'm in love with her in this spot either, too much change and too much drama and hard feelings going on. I really hope they don't go after her the way they went after Smarty in the Belmont.

[Rick1323]

She is a magnificent animal but I'm afraid she is in for a very rough trip. I hope she takes a ton of money because I am betting against her.

[PJMIII]

She is a magnificent animal but I'm afraid she is in for a very rough trip. I hope she takes a ton of money because I am betting against her.

She sure does add value doesn't she? I'll be going against her but I wouldn't be surprised if she goes off near even money.

[Hermes]

She is a magnificent animal but I'm afraid she is in for a very rough trip. I hope she takes a ton of money because I am betting against her.


I almost wonder if the other jocks will be leery or get instructions to not do anything to rough her up as yesterday the sport, and certain owners, got a large taste of the reaction that intentional foul play brings. But she is in a tough spot no doubt in a full field, two weeks back, against colts that can actually run almost as fast as she can;)

[Rick1323]

No one is going to jeapordize their own chances by "roughing her up". But she will be "in company" from gate to wire. She will probably be facing a lot of things for the first time. But most importantly. No matter how she chooses to race, she will have other horses dogging her. I love watching her. But as a bettor I can't resist the chance at a decent score.

[slug863]

Paulick touches on that in his report.

http://www.paulickreport.com/blog/tag/ahmed-zayat/


What is it about fillies and the Preakness that brings out the worst in some people?

[Hermes]

If Rachel gets a bad draw, do you think if we complain loudly enough, she'll get a do-over? :cool:

[Blue Jeans]

Paulick touches on that in his report.

http://www.paulickreport.com/blog/tag/ahmed-zayat/


What is it about fillies and the Preakness that brings out the worst in some people?


Thanks! :laugh:

>Officials of the Maryland Jockey Club must have had visions of angry, pitchfork wielding mobs of racing fans descending upon Pimlico Saturday in search of the two would-be evil-doers, Zayat and Allen. One of those officials called Zayat to explain to him that his actions weren?t being very well received and that it might not be such a bad idea to reconsider.<

[ezgoerbaby]

Check out what this guy thinks of fillies running against boys...whoa...

http://www.biblenews1.com/history7/20070609filly.htm

[Kennedy]

Check out what this guy thinks of fillies running against boys...whoa...

http://www.biblenews1.com/history7/20070609filly.htm




Quack

[Rick1323]

One of the old timers I learned from used to comment that the colts would be the ones most effected. He said hang around any high school or college if you want to see how stupid young males act in the presence of a single female.

[PleasantlyPerfect]

"Running fillies against boys isn't always the best choice. I've been watching racing since 1939, and I've seen a lot of disastrous things happen."
...



Glad my owners didn't think this way.
Sincerely,
Genuine Risk, Miesque, Winning Colors, Personal Ensign, Rags To Riches



But its easier for breeders to say that its because they are running agianst boys, than to admit that the breed as a whole is to fragile! I totally dont get the problem with running "quality" fillies/mares agianst the boys. They do it every where else, and we do it in QH racing all the time. Girls vs Boys is just the cover for a very fragile breed and the fact that they dont want to look into breeding sounder horses.

[Kennedy]

One of the old timers I learned from used to comment that the colts would be the ones most effected. He said hang around any high school or college if you want to see how stupid young males act in the presence of a single female.


There is that famous account of Count Fleet's final career defeat. Among the horses lined up against the favored Count Fleet in the Futurity was the filly Askmenow. Count Fleet was content to hang all over her during the race and finish a head behind her. Occupation beat the twitterpated couple by a good 5 lengths. Count Fleet was never seriously challenged in any of his next 10 career starts which included a Triple Crown victory. But connections kept him well clear of the ladies :laugh:

[Matt Converse]

No one is going to jeapordize their own chances by "roughing her up". But she will be "in company" from gate to wire. She will probably be facing a lot of things for the first time. But most importantly. No matter how she chooses to race, she will have other horses dogging her. I love watching her. But as a bettor I can't resist the chance at a decent score.


Who says you can't get a big score with her winning?
Rachel Alexandra
Mine That Bird or Pionner of the Nile
Musket Man or Papa Clem
Terrain or General Quarters

Those supers would pay pretty good. Musket Man seems like a good horse to add value. he ran just as well as Pioneer of the Nile in the Derby--maybe better--and should be a nice price.

[Matt Converse]

A little recount of some recent fillies who tangled with boys and how they emerged from the effort:
Genuine Risk: 3rd Wood Memorial, 2nd in Preakness and Belmont, won the Derby...died at age 31.

Cupecoy's Joy, 3rd in Jim Beam, 10th in KY Derby, raced to age 4, died at age 25.

Winning Colors: Won SA Derby, KY Derby, 3rd in Preakness, died at 23, colic complications.

Life's Magic, 2nd in the Norfolk, 3rd H'wood Futurity, 8th in the Derby, Eclipse for older female at age 4, died at age 26.

Althea, won Del Mar Futurity, won the Arkansas Derby, 19th in the KY Derby, died at 14 in paddock accident with another horse.

Serena's Song: Won Jim Beam, Haskell, 16th in the Derby, raced to age 4, still alive at age 17.

Excellent Meeting, 5th in the Derby, pulled up in the Preakness (interestingly, by Kent Desormeaux), nothing significant found to be wrong, ran through age 4 including a second to colts at Hawthorne, died at age 8 during colic surgery.

Three Ring, finished 5th in KY Derby, died in the paddock at Belmont Park a few months later after flipping and hitting her head. She ran poorly in the Derby but was fine, she died in a freak accident when she returned to racing against fillies.

[Whos the Cowboy]

Rachel doesn't need to win the Preakness to show that she deserves to be in the race.
That said, if she runs back to any of her 4 recent races, she wins for fun :kiss:

[Hermes]

One of the old timers I learned from used to comment that the colts would be the ones most effected. He said hang around any high school or college if you want to see how stupid young males act in the presence of a single female.


There is that famous account of Count Fleet's final career defeat. Among the horses lined up against the favored Count Fleet in the Futurity was the filly Askmenow. Count Fleet was content to hang all over her during the race and finish a head behind her. Occupation beat the twitterpated couple by a good 5 lengths. Count Fleet was never seriously challenged in any of his next 10 career starts which included a Triple Crown victory. But connections kept him well clear of the ladies :laugh:


I vaguely recall this tale. Great story. Thanks!

I always thought the way to take out Corinthian would be to enter a filly - he was as studdish as they come.

And no way Pioneerof the Nile will pass Rachel :laugh:

[SlewCitySlew]

I think I remember that Three Ring ran poorly in the derby because her saddle slipped or something. Is that correct?

[Whos the Cowboy]

And no way Pioneerof the Nile will pass her :laugh:

If Rachel gets the lead, There's nobody in this field that will pass her.
But like the Derby, they don't run these races on paper or in our minds, they run them on dirt-wet dirt, probably. And Rachel, like Smarty Jones in his Arkansas Derby, ran her career high Beyer fig on an off track, and only Dunkirk has equalled her Beyer of 108 :shocked:

[Hermes]

And no way Pioneerof the Nile will pass her :laugh:

If Rachel gets the lead, There's nobody in this field that will pass her.
But like the Derby, they don't run these races on paper or in our minds, they run them on dirt-wet dirt, probably. And Rachel, like Smarty Jones in his Arkansas Derby, ran her career high Beyer fig on an off track, and only Dunkirk has equalled her Beyer of 108 :shocked:


I think the Oaks track was called fast and IWR and QR have run higher BSF but like Dunkirk are no where near the Preakness.

[Whos the Cowboy]

I forgot that IWR and QR had higher Beyers than 108
I didn't feel that CD on Oaks day was fast, but they may have.
The main track was fast after the 7th race on Oaks day, according to the drf charts.
Opens mouth, inserts foot :lipsrsealed:

[Hermes]

Jim speaks on behalf of Rachel?
http://therail.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/11/who-speaks-for-rachel-alexandra/?ref=sports

[affirmed79]

If R.A. goes in the Preakness,, it will be a great race. Should be so exciting with her in it with 13 colts....I hope she will be alright, as its a fulll field of colts, and it also depends what number she gets....IF she's outside, will she be able toget the lead with all those colts on her inside....I like her and the colts, too. Wnder if FF will run in it. Hope he will be alright, too. I think she will be the favorite, and MTB should also, be a favorite....Should be a super race..

[Whos the Cowboy]

If R.A. goes in the Preakness,, it will be a great race. Should be so exciting with her in it with 13 colts....I hope she will be alright, as its a fulll field of colts, and it also depends what number she gets....IF she's outside, will she be able toget the lead with all those colts on her inside....I like her and the colts, too. Wnder if FF will run in it. Hope he will be alright, too. I think she will be the favorite, and MTB should also, be a favorite....Should be a super race..

Mine That Bird isn't a colt-he's a gelding

[PJMIII]

From drf.com

Quick turnaround the major concern for Rachel

By Mike Watchmaker

NEW YORK - Rachel Alexandra versus Mine That Bird. The brilliant Kentucky Oaks winner against the shocking Kentucky Derby winner. That's the matchup the racing public wants to see, and they want to see it Saturday at Pimlico in the Preakness Stakes. And after Sunday's shameful contemplations of blocking Rachel Alexandra from the Preakness by entering overmatched but Triple Crown-nominated bums, it looks right now like it's going to happen.

But was all the angst on Sunday worth it? While it has become even easier to root for Rachel Alexandra after what transpired Sunday, especially in comparison to two prominent Preakness contenders in particular, is running in the Preakness even a good idea?

Forget about the gender issue. Rachel Alexandra has been so exceptional this season, she rates as the best 3-year-old filly seen in many years. Conversely, with the highly talented pair of I Want Revenge and Quality Road sidelined by injury, what's left of the males looks to be profoundly average. Of the list of Preakness probables as of this writing, no male shows a higher Beyer Speed Figure than the 108 Rachel Alexandra earned under wraps in the Kentucky Oaks. In fact, none of the males in the Preakness has earned more than one triple-digit Beyer in their lives. Rachel Alexandra has earned triple-digit Beyers in her last four starts. So a filly meeting colts (or gelding, in the case of Mine That Bird) is, in this instance, not the cause for pause it usually is.

The potential pace scenario in the Preakness doesn't seem to be cause for concern, either. While everyone wondered after Rachel Alexandra won the Oaks by more than 20 lengths whether she should have waited a day and run in the Derby instead, the pace dynamics in the Derby really didn't favor her. Rachel Alexandra likes to operate on or close to the lead. If she had run in the Derby, she would have been chasing Join in the Dance, who was going to go as fast as he had to early to fulfill his role as Dunkirk's rabbit, and she would have had that demanding stalking trip over a track on Derby Day that was sticky and tiring.

The pace scenario in the Preakness is not as unfavorable. Big Drama and Take the Points have speed, but neither figure to be gunning for the lead as they aren't need-the-lead types. That's good for Rachel Alexandra.

No, the principal reason to question whether running in the Preakness is a good idea for Rachel Alexandra is it requires her to run back in only 15 days. Outside of her racing debut, which she lost - any horse can lose in his or her racing debut; even Secretariat did - Rachel Alexandra has lost only two other times. Notably, both of those losses came when Rachel Alexandra was running back on the shortest rest of her career. Both of those losses came when she was running back in 15 days.

The first of those was her second-place finish last June in the Debutante Stakes, a race that was won with a Beyer 8 points lower than the one Rachel Alexandra got in her maiden win 15 days earlier. The other loss was her second as the favorite in last November's Pocahontas Stakes to Sarah Louise, a filly Rachel Alexandra crushed with more rest between starts in the subsequent Golden Rod Stakes.

Of course, it could be argued that Rachel Alexandra is a much better horse now, and as such is better equipped to handle a 15-day turnaround. That might be completely true, and this could be much ado about nothing. But it is interesting that Hal Wiggins, who developed and trained Rachel Alexandra until she was sold last week, and who knows her better than anyone else on the planet, planned to give this filly five weeks after the Oaks before running her again in the Acorn on Belmont Stakes Day.

The worry here is that Rachel Alexandra might not have enough time between starts to produce her best effort in the Preakness. Now, she might be so good that she could still win the Preakness without running her best race. But if Rachel Alexandra doesn't win Saturday, it won't do the game any favors and could unnecessarily damage her reputation.

Two other Triple Crown thoughts:

* Mine That Bird, who had never before run a race that was within 24 Beyer points of his effort in the Derby, will not get the perfect confluence of events Saturday that happened for him in Kentucky. He won't get the identical combination of the slop, the rail bias, passing 17 opponents inside, or Calvin Borel (if Rachel Alexandra enters). Yet he will still only be a tiny fraction of the price he was two weeks ago. He might win, but going in, he's a bad bet.

* I wonder about those who take the Derby result as proof that the California-based 3-year-olds and their synthetic-track form stepped it up on dirt. Pioneerof the Nile had to improve on his Santa Anita Derby winning form (96 Beyer) to win. He didn't. He tailed off 1 Beyer point. He did finish second (and should have been disqualified for coming out late) but lost by almost seven lengths. Papa Clem had already earned a career-best Beyer of 101 on dirt winning the Arkansas Derby, but he tailed off 6 points and finished fourth. And Chocolate Candy did finish fifth in the Derby, but it's hard to say he flourished on dirt. He tailed off 8 points from his career top of 94 when second in the Santa Anita Derby and was beaten 13 lengths. That's a lot of lengths.

[Matt Converse]

The key to her losing those races was she hadn't improved yet into the filly she is today. She was never that great of a filly until she turned the tables on Sara Louise in her last start as a two-year-old. Her record before that is fairly irrelevant. Rachel Alexandra is no more likely to need more time than any of the colts and geldings who ran in the Derby. They, in fact, have one less day off. And none of these horses have run back in two weeks this year, they are all in the same boat.

[Matt Converse]

I think I remember that Three Ring ran poorly in the derby because her saddle slipped or something. Is that correct?


Perhaps but I didn't think she was a 10f distance horse. She was one of the fillies in the Derby I wasn't that keen on.

[Hermes]

The key to her losing those races was she hadn't improved yet into the filly she is today. She was never that great of a filly until she turned the tables on Sara Louise in her last start as a two-year-old. Her record before that is fairly irrelevant. Rachel Alexandra is no more likely to need more time than any of the colts and geldings who ran in the Derby. They, in fact, have one less day off. And none of these horses have run back in two weeks this year, they are all in the same boat.


I agree about her 2 yr old year. But I don't like her in here off the top effort in the Oaks. But she may just be in a different league. The boys don't plan to let her have anything uncontested, though.

[Matt Converse]

Another thing I just noticed with Rachel's breahtrough race at CD last year where she smoked Sara Louise: it was the first time she had Borel on her back. She's undefeated with Calvin.

[Hermes]

If I owned Rachel:
http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/triplecrown09/columns/story?columnist=cronley_jay&id=4159599

[Matt Converse]

Unidentified Preakness Starter Speaks Out

"Rachel, Rachel, Rachel," an unidentified and overshadowed Preakness starter whinnied from their stall today.

"Now I know how Jan Brady felt."

[The Colonel]

So there's questions about Rachel's quick turnaround. What about the colts and geldings? Where's the concern for them?

[Matt Converse]

I know, that's what I've saying. The Derby starters are coming off one LESS day rest and after having run a mile and a quarter, only only had to go 9f. And actually, looking at her races and the distances, her route may be the perfect one: 1&1/16, 1&1/8, now 1&3/16.

[PJMIII]

The Best Horse Is a Sold Horse


http://therail.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/09/the-best-horse-is-a-sold-horse/

[Rick1323]

Up till now they seemed to like a lot more time between races. Maybe it was unnecessary, but I suspect not. This is not an amazon like some of the cross over ladies. She is big and strong but she won't be facing 6 smaller fillies either.

[MonmouthGuy]

I know, that's what I've saying. The Derby starters are coming off one LESS day rest and after having run a mile and a quarter, only only had to go 9f. And actually, looking at her races and the distances, her route may be the perfect one: 1&1/16, 1&1/8, now 1&3/16.


The only Derby starter that can throw a wrinkle into that argument is Freisan Fire. He basically ran 6F and was eased by his jockey. It may have been that he stopped because he was knicked up at the start. It may have been that his bullet work earlier in the week took his race out of him. Whatever the case, Freisan Fire should benefit from the fact that Saez took care of him during the Derby.

[MonmouthGuy]

Up till now they seemed to like a lot more time between races. Maybe it was unnecessary, but I suspect not. This is not an amazon like some of the cross over ladies. She is big and strong but she won't be facing 6 smaller fillies either.


I think Rachel's 2 previous defeats (excluding her first start) were when she raced back in 2 weeks.

[Hermes]

Most of this field won't see two weeks between races again. And most haven't seen it to date and if they did it was as developing 2 yr olds running short distances. It is not just her, it is all of them. Except that said, Derby runners and winners often run well in Preakness. Rachel's issue is more the way she ran 2 weeks ago than the fact she simply raced two weeks ago. The sheet guys have her as off the charts fast in the Oaks for her sex and age.

[MonmouthGuy]

Rachel's issue is more that way she ran 2 weeks ago than the fact she simply raced two weeks ago.


That is a very good point.

[Rick1323]

So no one wants to use the word bounce?

[Hermes]

So no one wants to use the word bounce?


I prefer regress;-) But ole D. Wayne is running Stone Legacy back in the Black Eyed Susan on Friday, too!

[Hermes]

Other trainers praise Rachel:

http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2009/May/12/Trainers-praise-Rachel-Alexandra.aspx

?I can understand why you wouldn?t want her in, but as a fan, I want to see her in,? Jones said. ?Selfishly, I like that her connections want to run her in the Preakness because it gives me more confidence that I did the right thing with Eight Belles. If these guys, who love the game and love horses, are willing to do it, then that makes me feel better.?

Looks like Rachel won't have to "change" trainers again soon at this rate:

http://www.drf.com/news/article/103698.html

Asmussen lidocaine hearing delayed again
By Mary Rampellini
A stewards' hearing for trainer Steve Asmussen concerning a horse in his care who tested positive for lidocaine in May 2008 was postponed on Tuesday after a key witness in the case was unable to travel to Lone Star Park for the hearing because of inclement weather. A new hearing date has yet to be set, but both sides were hoping to determine one as soon as Wednesday.

Steven Barker, a scientist with Louisiana State University, was scheduled to testify on behalf of Asmussen, who was at Lone Star on Tuesday along with his attorneys. Barker could not fly in from Baton Rouge, La., however, because of inclement weather, said Maggi Moss, an attorney representing Asmussen.

"Dr. Barker is our main witness for Steve," she said. "He tried all day to get here. Due to weather, he can't get here. [The stewards] wanted the whole case heard. They didn't want to split it up. We were willing to go forward with part of it. They wanted to hear the whole case. We'll reconvene and get a date where we can all come.

"But Steve wanted to go forward. I wanted to go forward. But the weather and flying kept us from going forward."

"We in no way want to present half a case," said steward Jerry Burgess.

There have been a number of delays in the case on both sides since the filly in question, Timber Trick, won a maiden race at Lone Star on May 10, 2008. Lidocaine is a Class 2 medication violation, and Texas has a zero-tolerance policy on the local anesthetic.

[Hermes]

So no one wants to use the word bounce?


Someone might want to:

http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2009/May/12/Repeating-career-best-performance-a-daunting-task-for-Rachel-Alexandra.aspx

She ran a 0 (zero) Rag figure. MTB ran a 3. Lower is better.

[Rick1323]

V, I don't agree. All horses have a "bounce threshold". For some it hits during the Preakness. And as we know from recent history its hits others during the Belmont. Every horse has a wall they hit eventually. I successfully bet against Secretariat long before the bounce theory became popular. I just thought his last race took too much out of him. in this case its not the single biggest reason to bet against her. Unless she runs completly out of the money she can lose and not bounce.

[Matt Converse]

The only Derby starter that can throw a wrinkle into that argument is Freisan Fire. He basically ran 6F and was eased by his jockey. It may have been that he stopped because he was knicked up at the start. It may have been that his bullet work earlier in the week took his race out of him. Whatever the case, Freisan Fire should benefit from the fact that Saez took care of him during the Derby.


I agree, it was almost a nonstart for him. He is also the only horse all year who outran her, comparing same track, sam distance. He got a 104 to her 103, every other time you compared her to the boys version of her race, she came out on top. Now, she's improved a couple of lengths off that, but he could very well do the same. I'd put him as the third most likely horse to win behind Rachel & 'Bird.

[Hermes]

V, I don't agree. All horses have a "bounce threshold". For some it hits during the Preakness. And as we know from recent history its hits others during the Belmont. Every horse has a wall they hit eventually. I successfully bet against Secretariat long before the bounce theory became popular. I just thought his last race took too much out of him. in this case its not the single biggest reason to bet against her. Unless she runs completly out of the money she can lose and not bounce.


LOL, did you bet against Sec in the Preakness and the Belmont?

[Rick1323]

I said successfully. So no, not in the TC!

[Hermes]

I said successfully. So no, not in the TC!


Which race? The Wood, the Whitney, or the Woodward? Of course you know all the reasons cited for those losses that have nothing to do with a bounce, and I tend to agree with those reasons...but I could see the Gotham mile in 1:33 and change or world record setting Marlboro Cup being taken as a bet against next out.

[Matt Converse]

It seems to me the time to bet Secretariat to bounce would have been right after the 31-length length Belmont romp. Didn't he beat My Gallant in his next start by about 8 lengths?

[Hermes]

It seems to me the time to bet Secretariat to bounce would have been right after the 31-length length Belmont romp. Didn't he beat My Gallant in his next start by about 8 lengths?


Yes that public work out went in 1:47. :smiley:

[Hermes]

We can now return to our regularly scheduled programming of "Jess Jackson Has An Ego-at-Large."

http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/793528.html

[Rick1323]

Exceptional Derby winners don't tend to bounce they tend to win the Preakness. The problem is we seldom know which were exceptional till after the Preakness. In any case RA did not win the Derby. But she ran a huge race in the Oaks. She is facing a few challenges for the first time and her history (dispite the excuses) on 2 weeks rest is not good. If she was going to be 4 or 5-1 she might be a good bet. At 2-1 you have to try to beat those odds. Bounce she is off the board. If she runs her race it may be good enough to win. But I'm betting not.

As for Secretariat. I really don't remember that race. but even though I bet against him I couldn't help but hope he beat me. I may feel much the same way on Sat. But odds are odds.

[Hermes]

Exceptional Derby winners don't tend to bounce they tend to win the Preakness. The problem is we seldom know which were exceptional till after the Preakness. In any case RA did not win the Derby. But she ran a huge race in the Oaks. She is facing a few challenges for the first time and her history (dispite the excuses) on 2 weeks rest is not good. If she was going to be 4 or 5-1 she might be a good bet. At 2-1 you have to try to beat those odds. Bounce she is off the board. If she runs her race it may be good enough to win. But I'm betting not.

As for Secretariat. I really don't remember that race. but even though I bet against him I couldn't help but hope he beat me. I may feel much the same way on Sat. But odds are odds.


So, you think the competition might beat her. I'm strill trying to figure out where you disagree with me at. ;-)

I've settled on my exacta box: Friesan Fire/Musket Man



Have you tossed POTN?

[Rick1323]

I can't leave POTN out. He is honest race after race. But I don't think he can beat MTB or RA.

[Hermes]

I can't leave him out either... even if seeing Zayat on the winner's stand would make me heave. I think MTB is a fluke for now.

[Hermes]

Don't want my girl to have an old thread drop off the first page....that would require at least two new threads to discuss how and why that happened.

[Hermes]

This story by Kerrison - who I think is way off base or has been paid off by Zayat with a lifetime supply of Egyptian beer - also mentions the lawsuit that was filed by Thoro-graph owner against former RA owner Mike Lauffer. Kerrison calls him James Lauffer.

The detail for those that read the piece is that Jerry Brown of Thoro-graph consulted for a partnership with Lauffer in it - and they passed but then Lauffer went back and bought in himself. Then he claimed he didn't owe Jerry Brown as it was a different transaction. Sleazy. I think the 125k fee figure that Brown is owed is based on the profit on her recent sale and earnings to date since purchase. But, it might not include the recent windfall of her sale....might be market value.

http://msn.foxsports.com/horseracing/story/9569664/All-sorts-of-drama-surrounding-sensational-filly

[affirmed79]

Well she's going..Want to see what number she gets. If it rains, it won't bother her or MTB or FF..They all seem to love the mud. Will be interesting to see how this race unfolds. Hope she will be ok and all the others too. Steve must be so happy with a horse of this calibre in his barn again...Looks like FF is doing fine,too and is back on track. Wish i were going to thePreakness as you could really see history made with R..A . winning this race. Been years since a filly won this race. And i'm sure M.S. will be trying to win with MTB and defeat Calvin and the filly. It's a wonderful field. Just hopoe it turns out as great as it looks on paper...

[Hermes]

On HRTV:

Interesting that Blasi said Wiggins and his asst. (who he is best friends with) have helped transition Rachel and that anytime he has a question about her he just calls them. That makes me think she might be just fine in this spot, too. Blasi was asked about her work on Sunday, and he said, "It was the easiest 48 and and two I have ever seen."

On TVG:

Baffert makes an astute point that POTN will certainly finally have his target, a, "very expensive target."

[Hermes]

As mentioned, Jess Jackson pressers will be noted here. Jess arranged a conference call with reporters today - yes, he did - not Pimlico/MJC, or Triple Crown Productions, or the NTRA, but Jackson.

He BS's a bit about what he paid. But he is a clever guy - as in he didn't pay 100% of the price;) He talks about testing her. He said she will run 5 or 6 times this year and next year if sound, but that it is to early to discuss next year. He points out that the plan to block her was about "self interests" not the good of the sport. And he said Rachel sent Mary Lou a dozen roses this week as a thank you for the sporting gesture to let her run.

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/50760/owner-jackson-its-not-about-the-sexes

NBC promo is using a little girl voice over? Nice pander.

[Quiet Chris]

As mentioned, Jess Jackson pressers will be noted here. Jess arranged a conference call with reporters today - yes, he did - not Pimlico/MJC, or Triple Crown Productions, or the NTRA, but Jackson.

He BS's a bit about what he paid. But he is a clever guy - as in he didn't pay 100% of the price;) He talks about testing her. He said she will run 5 or 6 times this year and next year if sound, but that it is to early to discuss next year. He points out that the plan to block her was about "self interests" not the good of the sport. And he said Rachel sent Mary Lou a dozen roses this week as a thank you for the sporting gesture to let her run.

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/50760/owner-jackson-its-not-about-the-sexes

NBC promo is using a little girl voice over? Nice pander.


It is interesting that she might run next year. If she turns out to be great I wonder if that race in Dubai is a $10 million purse next year.

It sounds like he paid $5-6 million for Rachel. That sounds about right. You really can't ask for much more than that for a filly.

[Hermes]

As mentioned, Jess Jackson pressers will be noted here. Jess arranged a conference call with reporters today - yes, he did - not Pimlico/MJC, or Triple Crown Productions, or the NTRA, but Jackson.

He BS's a bit about what he paid. But he is a clever guy - as in he didn't pay 100% of the price;) He talks about testing her. He said she will run 5 or 6 times this year and next year if sound, but that it is to early to discuss next year. He points out that the plan to block her was about "self interests" not the good of the sport. And he said Rachel sent Mary Lou a dozen roses this week as a thank you for the sporting gesture to let her run.

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/50760/owner-jackson-its-not-about-the-sexes

NBC promo is using a little girl voice over? Nice pander.


It is interesting that she might run next year. If she turns out to be great I wonder if that race in Dubai is a $10 million purse next year.

It sounds like he paid $5-6 million for Rachel. That sounds about right. You really can't ask for much more than that for a filly.


Ashado went for 9 mil as a broodmare prospect and while consistent and a champ - she never wowed anyone the way this filly does. Morrison was quoted as saying the low 3-4 million valuation early on was incorrect. He said it, "wouldn't even pay the taxes." I think the 8-10 mil is more likely myself.

[Quiet Chris]

As mentioned, Jess Jackson pressers will be noted here. Jess arranged a conference call with reporters today - yes, he did - not Pimlico/MJC, or Triple Crown Productions, or the NTRA, but Jackson.

He BS's a bit about what he paid. But he is a clever guy - as in he didn't pay 100% of the price;) He talks about testing her. He said she will run 5 or 6 times this year and next year if sound, but that it is to early to discuss next year. He points out that the plan to block her was about "self interests" not the good of the sport. And he said Rachel sent Mary Lou a dozen roses this week as a thank you for the sporting gesture to let her run.

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/50760/owner-jackson-its-not-about-the-sexes

NBC promo is using a little girl voice over? Nice pander.


It is interesting that she might run next year. If she turns out to be great I wonder if that race in Dubai is a $10 million purse next year.

It sounds like he paid $5-6 million for Rachel. That sounds about right. You really can't ask for much more than that for a filly.


Ashado went for 9 mil as a broodmare prospect and while consistent and a champ - she never wowed anyone the way this filly does. Morrison was quoted as saying the low 3-4 million valuation early on was incorrect. He said it, "wouldn't even pay the taxes." I think the 8-10 mil is more likely myself.


Well Jackson basically said it was not more than $6 million. This is not 2005 either. This is 2009. Horses are not going for anything like what they went for in 2005. Ashado also had two Eclipse Awards at the time of sale. This filly has one grade 1 win.

[Hermes]

True. And for some horses, the overall market does not apply. Like SB last November.

I think Jackson is FOS. If not, then they did not ask for enough or really needed cash.

[Hermes]

True. And for some horses, the overall market does not apply. Like SB last November.

I think Jackson is FOS. If not, then they did not ask for enough or really needed cash.


Or he simply didn't mention that the contract has kickers.


Ah. Very true;) Or that he possibly paid all commissions, or added in other services to assets he owns, etc.

I wondered if there was a kicker for her winning BC or Eclipse or even a classic since they knew that it what he had in mind.

[second_glance]

True. And for some horses, the overall market does not apply. Like SB last November.

I think Jackson is FOS. If not, then they did not ask for enough or really needed cash.


Didn't Morrison say, when asked if the sale price was $3-4 million, that that wouldn't pay the taxes on the sale? :tongue:

[Langfuhr]

My 2 cents...

Im sooo over Jackson's "blah sportsmanship blah blah blah sportsmanship" schtick.

[TomDurkinWithTheCall]

Rachel is one big butt filly. There, I said it.

[second_glance]

D. Wayne ruminates on Rachel:

Lukas, who has started many fillies against males in major races including a victory in the Kentucky Derby with Winning Colors, went on to comment Wednesday that he supports the decision to run RACHEL ALEXANDRA (Medaglia d'Oro) in the Preakness. Rachel Alexandra has won five consecutive races and seven of her 10 career starts. In her last start, she won the Kentucky Oaks (G1) by 20 1/4 lengths.

"Believe me, if I had Rachel Alexandra, she'd have been in the Derby," Lukas said. "Are you kidding me? That would have been a no-brainer. I'd have led her over there and said, 'Boys, just get in the gate, you're in deep crap.'"

Lukas added that she is a good fit for the race because she has dominated her races with fillies, has a running style that will keep her forwardly placed, has a pedigree for the distance, and the field doesn't appear to include any superstars, like Triple Crown winners Secretariat or Seattle Slew.

"I don't think she'll get intimidated," he said. "She's not some little violet prancing around. When she gets off the van you'll see.

"She's got all the equipment to get the job done. She's no little thing. She's not going to be intimidated. She might be as big as any horse in the race. Not bigger than my two colts weight-wise, but she's tall and rangy and scopey. The only thing wrong with the deal is that I don't have her."

[From Brisnet.com]

[Quiet Chris]

True. And for some horses, the overall market does not apply. Like SB last November.

I think Jackson is FOS. If not, then they did not ask for enough or really needed cash.


Or he simply didn't mention that the contract has kickers.


$6 million is a fortune for a filly with no stallion career. Where do you suspect he gets the money back from? That is $6 million in cash. That is like winning $14 million in purses on a track after you factor jockey/trainer cut, insurance, and taxes. He doesn't plan on selling any of her foals, and it is much more likely she will produce average foals than great foals. More great mares and even stallion produced mediocre horses than exceptional ones.

Sales of fillies/mares don't usually have kickers. There is no stallion future. Their entire value is always simply what people are willing to pay for them as individuals at the time of sale. There is no two year period where there is basically a set stud fee with a guaranteed return on investment.

[FLA-USA]

True. And for some horses, the overall market does not apply. Like SB last November.

I think Jackson is FOS. If not, then they did not ask for enough or really needed cash.


Or he simply didn't mention that the contract has kickers.


$6 million is a fortune for a filly with no stallion career. Where do you suspect he gets the money back from? That is $6 million in cash. That is like winning $14 million in purses on a track after you factor jockey/trainer cut, insurance, and taxes. He doesn't plan on selling any of her foals, and it is much more likely she will produce average foals than great foals. More great mares and even stallion produced mediocre horses than exceptional ones.

Sales of fillies/mares don't usually have kickers. There is no stallion future. Their entire value is always simply what people are willing to pay for them as individuals at the time of sale. There is no two year period where there is basically a set stud fee with a guaranteed return on investment.




Under his mattress? "Net Worth: $1.8 bil" (http://www.forbes.com/lists/2009/10/billionaires-2009-richest-people_Jess-Jackson_WWF6.html)

[Quiet Chris]

True. And for some horses, the overall market does not apply. Like SB last November.

I think Jackson is FOS. If not, then they did not ask for enough or really needed cash.


Or he simply didn't mention that the contract has kickers.


$6 million is a fortune for a filly with no stallion career. Where do you suspect he gets the money back from? That is $6 million in cash. That is like winning $14 million in purses on a track after you factor jockey/trainer cut, insurance, and taxes. He doesn't plan on selling any of her foals, and it is much more likely she will produce average foals than great foals. More great mares and even stallion produced mediocre horses than exceptional ones.

Sales of fillies/mares don't usually have kickers. There is no stallion future. Their entire value is always simply what people are willing to pay for them as individuals at the time of sale. There is no two year period where there is basically a set stud fee with a guaranteed return on investment.




Under his mattress? "Net Worth: $1.8 bil" (http://www.forbes.com/lists/2009/10/billionaires-2009-richest-people_Jess-Jackson_WWF6.html)




His net worth means nothing. If he just threw money away for fun he would not have taken on a partner when buying her and he would not have taken on partners with Curlin either. He runs Stonestreet like a business, just like Darley runs their operation as a business. $6 million is quite a bit for a filly that has no guaranteed return.

[FLA-USA]

I agree. My post was in jest, but I don't pepper my posts with emoticons.

Even someone of his worth would have to do some juggling to gather that amount. Chances are great that he may have taken out paper or used a line of credit for this purchase.

[Hermes]

Chris, I think you answered your own question. He plans - as far as we know today - are to race her foals so he never planned to "get his money out" of her in the first place...Jess bought a legacy.

[Rick1323]

I wonder if the sellers got a piece of her first foal.

[Hermes]

The Greatest Horse in the World:

http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?id=4161951

[Roc525]

Anyone still want to argue that Rachel being in this race isn't better for the sport than MTB TC attempt? When was the last time you've seen horse racing get this much coverage from sources outside of the game?

[citation]

Anyone still want to argue that Rachel being in this race isn't better for the sport than MTB TC attempt? When was the last time you've seen horse racing get this much coverage from sources outside of the game?


It adds, it is not better than. And honestly, I'm not sure about all this coverage you keep alluding too. What are you talking about specifically?
Although I don't believe a TC Winner would shine a light on the sport any more than Hillenbrand's "Seabiscuit" already did.

[second_glance]

I'm guessing Don Lucarelli and Jess Jackson aren't golfing buddies, nor will be seated at the same table at any industry gala in near future.

BALTIMORE - While many fans and horsemen are excited about the prospect of watching the superstar filly Rachel Alexandra run against the boys in Saturday's Preakness Stakes, there is at least one person who doesn't think it's such a good idea.

Don Lucarelli, part-owner of Preakness entrant Take the Points, believes it is not in the best interests of the sport or the filly to run Rachel Alexandra in the Preakness just two weeks after she won the Kentucky Oaks by 20 1/4 lengths. Lucarelli thinks Rachel Alexandra would be better served by waiting for the Belmont Stakes or another race later this summer to take on males.

"Purchasing the horse and within 24 hours deciding that he wants to go and run in the Preakness to me seems like a self-serving interest instead of what may be best for the industry at this juncture," said Lucarelli, who owns Take the Points under the Starlight Partners banner with his wife, Barbara, and Jack and Laurie Wolf. "[Jackson] always says he's doing this for the horse and doing it for the industry. My own personal viewpoint is that I think the horse would have been better off having more time to regroup from such a peak performance. Even though nobody really contested her in the Oaks, the fact is she did prep for that race and ran a super race."

Rachel Alexandra has won her last five races dating back to last fall, but the Oaks was clearly her best performance. She ran 1 1/8 miles in 1:48.87 and earned a career-best Beyer of 108.

"From a handicapping angle you would almost expect a bounce off of that performance," Lucarelli said.


http://www.drf.com/news/article/103774.html (http://www.drf.com/news/article/103774.html)

[Rick1323]

Jess Jackson self serving? Really? Who would have thunk it?

[Quiet Chris]

I don't understand why Jackson did not buy her before the Oaks. Makes no sense to me. He could of had her cheaper and run her in the KY Derby.

[Rick1323]

I don't understand why Jackson did not buy her before the Oaks. Makes no sense to me. He could of had her cheaper and run her in the KY Derby.


Cause neither he nor Assmussen are that smart. If you have enough money you can buy a good horse rather than trying to figure out which might be good.

[WesternDreamer]

I don't understand why Jackson did not buy her before the Oaks. Makes no sense to me. He could of had her cheaper and run her in the KY Derby.


Cause neither he nor Assmussen are that smart. If you have enough money you can buy a good horse rather than trying to figure out which might be good.


I guess they lucked out getting Curlin after his maiden win.

[Rick1323]

I don't understand why Jackson did not buy her before the Oaks. Makes no sense to me. He could of had her cheaper and run her in the KY Derby.


Cause neither he nor Assmussen are that smart. If you have enough money you can buy a good horse rather than trying to figure out which might be good.


I guess they lucked out getting Curlin after his maiden win.


I think everyone who saw the race knew he was a race horse. And he didn't come cheap even as a maiden winner.

[Hermes]

Just endless beating the drum about, "What if something happens to the filly?"

Good god, give it a rest.

http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20090515/COLUMNISTS01/905150431

[Hermes]

Just endless beating the drum about, "What if something happens to the filly?"

Good god, give it a rest.

http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20090515/COLUMNISTS01/905150431



I stopped reading the article once it got to the point where he was suggesting the possibilty she could die.


So many of them are harping on this as a play on morbid fascination with death. Notice not too much mention that a colt broke down in the race 3 years ago - just passing references - and then onto "Eight Belles, Ruffian" recap. This is not a story. This is lazy, sensational, and boring creation of a non story by the media.

[Hermes]

Borel talks about his decision and being at Wiggins barn the morning she was moved to Asmussen. Chip asked him to give Smith advice on how to ride MTB. Imagine if Chip told Gomez or Bailey to give advice to another rider after he took off the horse...to ride against you.

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/50788/borel-confident-in-decision-to-ride-filly

[Hermes]

Beyer on running Rachel - he is rooting for her:

http://www.drf.com/news/article/103792.html

[Cigar]

Just endless beating the drum about, "What if something happens to the filly?"

Good god, give it a rest.

http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20090515/COLUMNISTS01/905150431



I stopped reading the article once it got to the point where he was suggesting the possibilty she could die.


So many of them are harping on this as a play on morbid fascination with death. Notice not too much mention that a colt broke down in the race 3 years ago - just passing references - and then onto "Eight Belles, Ruffian" recap. This is not a story. This is lazy, sensational, and boring creation of a non story by the media.


Some people talk as if she has one leg in the grave already, and it's annoying.

[Hermes]

Girl Power in SI: (and more of the doom scenario, you know, because for a writer to think of a fresh angle would require effort.)

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/tim_layden/05/14/rachel.alexandra/?eref=sircrc

Here is an obnoxious quote from Morrison that begs the question, at least from me, so get ready, "Then WHY did you sell HER to Jackson when you knew what he wanted to do, you greedy bastard? You're going to tell us there were no other offers?"

Adolphus Morrison, the retired 75-year-old steel executive who sold Rachel Alexandra to Jackson five days after she won the Kentucky Oaks by 20 1/4 lengths, did not intend to run against colts in the Triple Crown, or, possibly, ever. Asked how he feels about Rachel Alexandra -- who is named after Morrison's 13-year-old granddaughter, a name straight out of Jane Austen -- running in the Preakness, Morrison said, "It's doesn't excite me. I'm afraid that this horse would kill herself trying to get there.''

I sincerely dislike this man more than I dislike any of her current connections.

[Quiet Chris]

In Europe fillies races against colts all the time. Only in America does everyone have to turn it into some nonsense about a girl racing against boys. This is not men and women where men are clearly superior athletes, these are animals and frequently a female is just as good as the boys. If people would stop looking at horses like they look at humans we would have a ton more girls racing against the boys.

[Hermes]

In Europe fillies races against colts all the time. Only in America does everyone have to turn it into some nonsense about a girl racing against boys. This is not men and women where men are clearly superior athletes, these are animals and frequently a female is just as good as the boys. If people would stop looking at horses like they look at humans we would have a ton more girls racing against the boys.


On turf.

On turf.

On turf.


True. And where they all typically quicken for maximum effort at the end, not all out on the engine as in American dirt racing....

[Quiet Chris]

In Europe fillies races against colts all the time. Only in America does everyone have to turn it into some nonsense about a girl racing against boys. This is not men and women where men are clearly superior athletes, these are animals and frequently a female is just as good as the boys. If people would stop looking at horses like they look at humans we would have a ton more girls racing against the boys.


On turf.

On turf.

On turf.


The top fillies on dirt here can compete with the top males on dirt. Rags did just fine. Rachel will do just fine. I would have bet Proud Spell would have won the Travers last year too. The top animal in the country right now is a female too in Zenyatta.

Female horses have no problem competing with male horses. It is top female human athletes that can't compete with the top male human athletes and for some reason Americans allow this to affect their judgment of horses too.

[Hermes]

I thought the top horse was Forever Together or Quality Road or - which day is it?

[ezgoerbaby]

I don't feel she should be running in the Preakness as I feel like they've rushed her. Morrison's statement in one of those articles didn't make me feel any better. "It doesn't excite me, that filly would kill herself to get there." I pray they all come home sound and happy. What IF the unthinkable happens though? I could not IMAGINE the number of people coming around with their, "I told you so's"...

[Cigar]

Some fillies who have won against males:

Serena's Song--Jim Beam, Hasketll Invitational
Lady's Secret--Whitney Handicap
Personal Ensign--Whitney Handicap (against older males!)
Gallorette--Whitney Handicap
Beldame--Carter Handicap, Suburban Handicap, Saratoga Cup
Ouija Board--2006 Prince of Wales Stakes
Makybe Diva--Melbourne Cup three times
Winning Colors--Kentucky Derby, Santa Anita Derby
Miesque--Breeders' Cup Mile twice
Shuvee--Jockey Club Gold Cup twice
Twilight Tear--Arlington Classic
Dreaming of Anna--Hillsborough
Sunline--Cox's Plate twice
Royal Heroine--BC Mile, Hollywood Derby
Six Perfections--BC Mile
Bayakoa
Paseana
Dance Smartly
Jolypha
Miss Alleged
Safely Kept
Meafara
Desert Stormer
Rags to Riches
Flawlessly
Genuine Risk

[Rainyday]

In Europe fillies races against colts all the time. Only in America does everyone have to turn it into some nonsense about a girl racing against boys. This is not men and women where men are clearly superior athletes, these are animals and frequently a female is just as good as the boys. If people would stop looking at horses like they look at humans we would have a ton more girls racing against the boys.


It's not all that uncommon to see fillies in the Canadian Triple Crown races. (Because it's later in the year? Lower level of competition due to the Canadian-bred restriction? Who knows?) I just looked it up out of curiosity and realized each of those three races has been won by a filly in the last decade. Two of them were even on dirt at the time (and a filly came second last year in the Plate on Poly). That's not even counting Dance Smartly winning the whole shebang.

I've been trying to figure out this difference in attitude for years.

[Quiet Chris]

I thought the top horse was Forever Together or Quality Road or - which day is it?


My favorite is the great champion Forever Together. Hopefully she will run against the boys in the Manhattan. She would win easily. Quality Road is just the best 3yr old horse in my opinion, and the opinion of many. Zenyatta is clearly the top horse in the country though. She has never lost and is was the #2 vote getter for HOY last year. Until someone beats her she is numero uno.

[Quiet Chris]

In Europe fillies races against colts all the time. Only in America does everyone have to turn it into some nonsense about a girl racing against boys. This is not men and women where men are clearly superior athletes, these are animals and frequently a female is just as good as the boys. If people would stop looking at horses like they look at humans we would have a ton more girls racing against the boys.


On turf.

On turf.

On turf.


The top fillies on dirt here can compete with the top males on dirt. Rags did just fine. Rachel will do just fine. I would have bet Proud Spell would have won the Travers last year too. The top animal in the country right now is a female too in Zenyatta.

Female horses have no problem competing with male horses. It is top female human athletes that can't compete with the top male human athletes and for some reason Americans allow this to affect their judgment of horses too.


Rags did just fine...... with a crawling pace, with Hard Spun boxing in Curlin, allowing her to get the jump on him.

So, you say female horses have no problem, yet you don't really have much to back up that theory. As you stated, they are all too willing to race girls against boys in Europe, but not here. Now, why do you figure that is? Do you really think that trainers and owners wouldn't go for the higher purses and greater prestige if it really was no problem? They would, but they don't, and that tells the story right there.


I don't have much to back it up? There are tons of fillies that have beaten boys. And to answer your question, a trainer and owner are doing exactly that this weekend, and a trainer and owner did exactly that in the Belmont two years ago, and a trainer and owner are likely going to do it this year in the BCC, and a trainer and owner just did it in a Dubai sprint on the dirt. They do it all the time.

[Hermes]

Why is grass more suitable for females to compete against males than dirt is?


Less concussive and hard on the horse and turf racing by it's nature is typically a sprint to the finish, less of an all out run for all of it which is more stressful for all horses to run harder for longer on a harder surface. Europe typically has softer turf courses due to weather and less use of the courses, too. The main thought being our type of dirt racing is harder on fillies and mares if they are up against tougher colts over time than hard on male horses - and for the most part in any one race - all on average. Not to say an exceptional filly cannot and will not succeed. I think it will take a toll on her, though.

[Quiet Chris]

Why is grass more suitable for females to compete against males than dirt is?


It isn't. It is ridiculous to think that.

[DDT]

It is not that the grass is more suitable, it is the manner in which the European races develop during the running as opposed to how we race here.

DDT

[Quiet Chris]

It is not that the grass is more suitable, it is the manner in which the European races develop during the running as opposed to how we race here.

DDT


What? Here a filly can just run to the lead and avoid the boys. There the filly gets stuck in the pack with the boys. This is all nonsense. Grass and european racing style have nothing to do with it. It is just some ridiculous belief that Americans have that fillies should avoid horses.

[Hermes]

MSNBC is on the Rachel bandwagon.

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/30751237/

[DDT]

Quiet Chris


Not just in Europe, but in most other racing countries fillies are trained with the colts, in the pack, they are trained to run that way, and if that is ridicules then I stand convicted, but, in truth the grass is much easier on the horses, and the purse structure contribute to the equation. Here owners and trainers only take on the boys when they feel they have a chance to win because our purse structure allows it and the number of graded races allows for more segregation.

You are entitled to your opinion on this subject but it does not make it correct, only a difference of opinion.

DDT

[PJMIII]

MSNBC is on the Rachel bandwagon.

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/30751237/


That clinches it for me. I'm betting against her. :cool:

[luvsgeldings]

oh its over - i was afraid of this from the moment i heard she was going to assmussen - i was hoping they would not do this to her - but they did - they freaking braided her mane!!! she has a glorious rich free flowing mane that looks so beautiful when she runs - and they went and did that braid thing to it - if she runs with it like that for the preakness and does not win, i am blaming the braids!!!!

[mariasmon]

I will take the Asmussen braids over an O'Neill merm anytime.

[luvsgeldings]

oh well thats true... that frizzy crap that doug o likes to do really sucks - but rachel has a really really lush mane - braiding it really ruins her look when she runs!!

[mariasmon]

I know they will braid her, like they do every horse, but have they already sent her out with them?

[Rick1323]

Its how we create our best fillies here. The best are typically the fastest. You look at a Grade 1 filly or mare race and the top 4 horses all seem to want the lead. When a rare Amazon comes along like RA she tends to be the speed of the speed.

Unless I am way off base what you will see tomorrow is 3 or 4 also ran colts that will be able to run with her for a mile or better. She will run harder and faster than she ever has before. She will spit the bit at the quarter pole and not be able to race again for 2 months. If she is lucky she will once again be the same great horse. She is not ready for this race. Not yet, not now.

[Hermes]

Yes Mons. The braids are in the Pimlico photos. It is a sad deal;)

[mariasmon]

Yes Mons. The braids are in the photos. it is a sad deal;)


I didn't know they braided for gallops and works :huh:

[Hermes]

Yes Mons. The braids are in the photos. it is a sad deal;)


I didn't know they braided for gallops and works :huh:


I think the poor girl was braided to school in the paddock yesterday. I hate the braids for her.

[Railbird]

Yes Mons. The braids are in the photos. it is a sad deal;)


I didn't know they braided for gallops and works :huh:


She wore them when she schooled in the paddock. Maybe they're trying to duplicate their barn's race day routine?

She's wearing them here.

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/50802/rachel-alexandra-heavy-preakness-choice

[Surfside]

It is sad to see her tresses neutered into tiny crudites. I wish only for Rachel, Unbound!

[mariasmon]

Oh, yes, of course. They do braid for paddock schooling. I'm not a huge fan, but I thought that Summerly always looked good in the braids.

[dr john h]

oh its over - i was afraid of this from the moment i heard she was going to assmussen - i was hoping they would not do this to her - but they did - they freaking braided her mane!!! she has a glorious rich free flowing mane that looks so beautiful when she runs - and they went and did that braid thing to it - if she runs with it like that for the preakness and does not win, i am blaming the braids!!!!


oh no, not braids!...that was the first thing i thought when i saw her schooling..lol

[lbarge]

Oh No! Not Braids...let the poor horse rest for this contest and not bother her. She is not in a hunter/jumper competition, let her be.... I hate braids.

[dr john h]

usually i like the look of braids (and i like the doug oneal look too) but she just doesn't look right in them

[terpsichorist]

I think they are just to put some "Curl in"her mane for her big day. :grin:

[citation]

Oh, for the love of god, braids!?!?!?! for paddock schooling!!!! :cry: :cry: :cry:
How horrific!!!!! Oh me oh my!!! :shocked: :shocked: :shocked:
She definitely won't be able to win tomorrow.

[karmamaker]

I think they are just to put some "Curl in"her mane for her big day. :grin:


She'll have some Curl in her soon enough...well, maybe not...a year or two at the latest. :tongue: I like the braids on most but in the pic of Rachel, it's not very flattering...maybe it's the angle of the picture?

[MonmouthGuy]

Rick.

I agree with you almost 100%. I agree that she will run faster and harder than we have ever seen before. We may see eye-popping fractions, of which she will certainly be a part. I think she might keep going though, at least this time.

Where I agree with you mostly is that putting her in this race at this time has the potential to knock her out until the fall, win or lose, and there is no guarantee she will be the same horse.




Its how we create our best fillies here. The best are typically the fastest. You look at a Grade 1 filly or mare race and the top 4 horses all seem to want the lead. When a rare Amazon comes along like RA she tends to be the speed of the speed.

Unless I am way off base what you will see tomorrow is 3 or 4 also ran colts that will be able to run with her for a mile or better. She will run harder and faster than she ever has before. She will spit the bit at the quarter pole and not be able to race again for 2 months. If she is lucky she will once again be the same great horse. She is not ready for this race. Not yet, not now.

[Spook Express]

Girl Power in SI: (and more of the doom scenario, you know, because for a writer to think of a fresh angle would require effort.)

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/tim_layden/05/14/rachel.alexandra/?eref=sircrc

Here is an obnoxious quote from Morrison that begs the question, at least from me, so get ready, "Then WHY did you sell HER to Jackson when you knew what he wanted to do, you greedy bastard? You're going to tell us there were no other offers?"

Adolphus Morrison, the retired 75-year-old steel executive who sold Rachel Alexandra to Jackson five days after she won the Kentucky Oaks by 20 1/4 lengths, did not intend to run against colts in the Triple Crown, or, possibly, ever. Asked how he feels about Rachel Alexandra -- who is named after Morrison's 13-year-old granddaughter, a name straight out of Jane Austen -- running in the Preakness, Morrison said, "It's doesn't excite me. I'm afraid that this horse would kill herself trying to get there.''

I sincerely dislike this man more than I dislike any of her current connections.



UGHHHHHHHH.............what a nice thing for her former owner to say :angry:. Makes me feel so much better about her running. Where's that puking furball when you need it?

[DDT]

Rick

What makes you and a lot of others think she will have to run harder and faster than she ever has to win this? On paper, all she has to do is run the same as she has all year. None of these colts has a higher number at 1 and 1/8th miles and only the California synthetic time was faster. She is a standout in this field and the five pounds may or may not make up for the sex bias, but in my opinion, they have her to beat and if she runs her normal race, she wins, and if Calvin really asks her coming home she wins big.

DDT

[butterflywarrior]

I love her but it's about pace and position and competition. And luck too. But she's pretty and she's certainly impressive.

[mariasmon]

I see Curlin's "security" team is back on duty with this filly.

[WesternDreamer]

I see Curlin's "security" team is back on duty with this filly.


Probably got bored watching Curlin from the trees around his paddock.

[Hermes]

I see Curlin's "security" team is back on duty with this filly.


She spreads the wealth;)

[TheDevilsAdvocate]

I see Curlin's "security" team is back on duty with this filly.


And she's also stuck with one of those ugly white bridles....

[Hermes]

man she's got an engine on her...

[ricquelle]

Who was the guy in the bright pink Rachel Alexandra hat?????

[Hermes]

I hope she comes out of this ok and I hope they do NOT run her in Belmont. I worry about how she was bearing out at end and for Borel to be so focused on her "struggle" with the track, not her victory. But NO ONE can say she did not earn that WIN.

[Hermes]

Wiggins is on the phone with HRTV....said he was never worried about her running in the Preakness. But indicated he thinks this race was much harder on her than the Oaks of course. HRTV plumbing the poor Hal angle for all it's worth. He is a CLASSY man. "She developed her self...she is a tremendous athlete...and I was blessed to have her in my barn."

[asti]

http://[img width=398 height=285]http://i39.tinypic.com/20rpsv8.jpg

http://i44.tinypic.com/262tb2h.jpg

http://i40.tinypic.com/28v4037.jpg

[Hermes]

Headline on espn.com.

(If anything happens to that filly...they warned. Here's what happened;)

http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/triplecrown09/columns/story?columnist=forde_pat&id=4172125

[Langfuhr]

I see Curlin's "security" team is back on duty with this filly.


Oh gawd, I just barfed up me dinner

[Hermes]

http://espn.go.com/horse-racing/blog

Rail 'Bird'
The rail giveth, and the rail taketh away.
May 16, 2009, 8:20 PM
By: Jay Hovdey



Daily Racing Form's Jay Hovdey will be filing daily notes and thoughts while covering the Triple Crown, exclusively on ESPN.com.

This from NBC's Donna Barton Brothers, who was on horseback on the clubhouse turn at Pimlico as Rachel Alexandra and Mine That Bird pulled up after their 1-2 thriller in Saturday's Preakness Stakes:

"Mike yelled out to Calvin, 'The rail was blocked the whole way. I never could get through!"

Mike is Mike Smith and Calvin, well, everybody knows Calvin Borel, who got off Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird to ride Kentucky Oaks winner Rachel Alexandra. By now, Borel's rail ride in the Kentucky Derby has been immortalized in song, and Smith hoped to sing a few choruses on The Bird in the Preakness. Didn't happen, though,and in the end, Rachel Alexandra beat Mine That Bird by a dwindling length.

The rail giveth, and the rail taketh away.

"I can't get through like Calvin does, man," said a muddy Smith as he walked back to the jocks' room. "Going down the backside, they were in single file in front of me along the rail. And nobody was coming off it. So I went on, then I was able to cut back. But inside of me they was just crashing, so I just turned his head loose and said 'Go!' He switches leads to get himself out of trouble -- you can't get a horse do do that. He's an amazing little thing."

He truly is, and may have had just enough trouble to make the difference, racing wide and squeezing between Pioneerof the Nile and General Quarters at a key point on the turn. But rest assured, Mine That Bird never has to prove anything again.

As for Rachel Alexandra, bow down and worship. Two weeks rest, change of barns, outside post and pressure on the pace--none of it mattered. Just like that, in barely a minute-55, she transcended the squeamish reactions to the checkbook horsemanship of new owner Jess Jackson and became one for the ages. Certainly, there can be no regrets in the old Rachel Alexandra camp, who are enjoying Jackson's millions. Still, it was nice to hear what assistant trainer Scott Blasi had to say, on the evening before the Preakness, when the subject of Rachel Alexandra's horse shoes came up.

Blasi is sort of an overqualified Robin to Steve Asmussen's Batman. Blasi was on the road with Curlin most of last year while Asmussen trained the other 500 horses in the stable. One of Blasi's good friends on the Midwest circuit is Brett McClellan, assistant to Hal Wiggins, and Blasi feels their pain of losing Rachel Alexandra, even in the sale of the century. But about those shoes.

"The first time we have the blacksmith give her a new set, I'm taking these shoes over and giving them to Hal Wiggins," Blasi said."I'm doing it because it's the right thing to do."

When Blasi said it, those shoes had won the Kentucky Oaks by 20 1/4 lengths. Now they've won the Preakness.

[Ezariah]

"The first time we have the blacksmith give her a new set, I'm taking these shoes over and giving them to Hal Wiggins," Blasi said."I'm doing it because it's the right thing to do."

When Blasi said it, those shoes had won the Kentucky Oaks by 20 1/4 lengths. Now they've won the Preakness.[/b]


That's is a wonderful sentiment and is absolutely the right thing to do. I'm sure they will mean alot to Wiggins.

[Hermes]

A Filly for a Friend:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/17/sports/othersports/17vecsey.html?ref=sports

Rachel Alexandra caught everybody's attention on that Friday, causing the trainer D.Wayne Lukas to say, "She was in the 11th race, and the rest of us were in the 12th."

Ok, on the other hand, this NY Times article is a great example of the downfall of journalism. Vecsey has Helen Pitts as married to Scott Blasi, which I ma sure his brother appreciates. Nor is Blasi best friends with Hal Wiggins, but with his asst. Listed Rachel as still sold her 3-4 mil - which has Morrison still laughing....and has Blasi as the trainer of Curlin. Which he was - so that's not really an error;)

[Hermes]

I really dislike that white bridle on her.

[WesternDreamer]

As a friend of mine put it during the post parade when seeing the braids and white bridle..."wow she's really been Asmussen-ized". I'm glad Calvin took a few braids out.

[Hermes]

I do like the way Blasi has already "married" her;) He yelled at the NBC winner's circle producer, "We have to do what's right for her." I think NBC crew was trying to hurry up the deal and Calvin wanted water (someone handed him bottles) to pour on her first.

[Hermes]

Chart:

http://www.equibase.com/static/chart/pdf/PIM051609USA12.pdf

[Hermes]

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/horseracing/bal-sp.preakrace17may17,0,3710652.story

Jackson sought a greater triumph with the validation of Rachel Alexandra as one of the best 3-year-olds. He said a portion of the winnings would go to cancer research.

"My mother died of cancer," Jackson said. "I had two aunts die of cancer. My wife is a recoverer of cancer. So is her mother.

"I have four daughters and I feel very strongly that we should be supporting the research that will lead to ? if not a cure ? at least a control of this disease. So this is one of the reasons she's running with a pink ribbon."

[Hermes]

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/50844/haskins-preakness-recap-remarkable-rachel

Baffert: "With her in there the whole world will be watching," he said following the post position draw. "Racing is alive; it has a heartbeat. Maybe this is what the sport needs."

[Hermes]

Awww, check out the photo of RA as a baby...she was running even then;)

http://www.drf.com/news/article/104004.html

[Oxfarm]

Awww, check out the photo of RA as a baby...she was running even then;)

http://www.drf.com/news/article/104004.html


Awww is right. :kiss: I find baby photos of horses as much fun as those of adult humans I get to know. There is always some mannerism or other that you recognize and enjoy.

Interesting to hear description of Lotta Kim's disposition. RA may not be ornery but her dam's disposition is likely expressed in RA as the competitive strong will of the kind we like, the good kind of "horse is tough."

[Hermes]

Rachel has her own wine:

"For her Preakness win, Jackson's wine makers are creating limited-edition commemorative wines. These wines will be available in distinctive wood boxes ... perfect for gift-giving. With less than 300 cases, the wines are guaranteed to become collector's items."

[Hermes]

I don't like the way she is slowing down at the end of her works now that Asmussen has her.

She worked six furlongs in 1:13.80. Splits:

Each furlong was :13, :12.60, :12.00, :11.80, :11.80, and then the last one 12.60. Unless they wanted her to only work 5 and the clocker called it six? She galloped out in :14.20 for a 7F gallop out time of 1:28.

http://www.drf.com/news/article/104467.html

Headlines | Posted 6/8/2009, 11:45 am
Rachel Alexandra breezes six furlongs
By Marty McGee

Preakness winner Rachel Alexandra had her third work since that race Monday at Churchill. The Mother Goose at Belmont is a possible target.
Rachel Alexandra had her third workout since winning the May 16 Preakness, breezing six furlongs in 1:13.80 early Monday over a fast track at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Trainer Steve Asmussen said there has been no decision made on where the star filly will race next.

Asmussen has mentioned the June 27 Mother Goose at Belmont Park as a possible next start for Rachel Alexandra, but said majority owner Jess Jackson will make the final call.

"We'll report back to Jess and the gang and see what we do next," said Asmussen.

Exercise rider Dominic Terry was aboard as usual for the work, which came in fractions of 13 seconds, 25.60, 37.60, 49.40, and 1:01.20, with a seven-furlong gallop-out time of 1:28. Rachel Alexandra has won her last six races, capped by the Preakness at Pimlico over male rivals. She now has worked three Mondays in a row at Churchill.

[Hermes]

A conversation with Ms. Alexandra:

http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/columnists/david_thomas/story/1424572.html

An exclusive chat with Rachel Alexandra
BY DAVID THOMAS
dthomas@star-telegram.com

It?s not a Star-Telegram tradition, but it is becoming one: an exclusive interview with a key figure in horse racing?s annual Triple Crown pursuit.

We had three different winners in the three races this year, but Preakness winner Rachel Alexandra was the obvious choice for a post-Triple Crown interview despite not competing in the Kentucky Derby or the Belmont.

The first filly to win the Preakness since 1924 also became the first filly to be interviewed by the Fans? Insider.

First of all, Miss Alexandra ... Please, call me Rachel.

OK, Rachel, did you watch the Belmont Stakes on Saturday? Actually, I did not.

Why not? Unless I'm racing, I always spend my Saturday evenings playing Bunco with some of the other fillies in the stable area. We don't miss our Bunco night, Triple Crown race on TV or not.

I'm surprised. I thought you have a close relationship with Calvin Borel and would want to see if he could become the first jockey to win all three Triple Crown races on different horses. I'm not particularly close to Calvin. Think about it? He weighs 110 pounds and carries a whip. What's to like about him?

In the Preakness, you led by four lengths then wound up holding off Mine That Bird by a length. Some have said that if the race had gone an extra 1/16th of a mile, you would have lost. No way. I was playing hard to get! You know, just teasing the boys a little by letting them get close to me.

You were held out of the Belmont so you could rest. When will you race next? I read on Twitter that my trainer is talking about running me in the Mother Goose Stakes later this month. I would really love to win that race because I think it would be neat one day to be reading Mother Goose to my kids and tell them, "I won the race named for her."

Are your motherhood days coming soon? No, not for a while. I love racing, and I just can?t see myself as the "bare-hoofed and pregnant" type. Not that there?s anything wrong with that, you know, it's just that it's not for me yet.

You posed for a photo spread in August's Vogue magazine, and you were photographed by Steven Klein, who has photographed Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, David and Victoria Beckham, Madonna, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake and other celebrities. What was that like? That was really fun, even though Steven kept making these jokes about making sure my hooves and mane were always in strategic places, you know. I?m hoping the Vogue photos will help me land a GoDaddy commercial with Danica Patrick.

You have been called one of the greatest fillies of all time. What do you think when you hear someone say that? It's really special and humbling to hear your name mentioned in the same category as the likes of Mike Schmidt and Steve Carlton and Richie Ashburn.

So you're a baseball fan? Sure. You know, that's not actually horsehide they use to make baseball covers.

Since a football is called a "pigskin," can I assume you like football, too? Absolutely.

What is your favorite team? We girls have a saying around the stables: Our favorite team is whoever is playing the Colts that week.

Follow sports humor columnist David Thomas on Twitter@FansInsider.

[Matt Converse]

I don't like the way she is slowing down at the end of her works now that Asmussen has her.


It might not be him, she just may not be as sharp as she was earlier. She has 11 lifetime starts now and has run just about nonstop for almost a year now.

[second_glance]

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Signaling her race-readiness, Rachel Alexandra worked a sharp six furlongs in 1:12 early Monday morning over a fast Churchill Downs racetrack.

Working under the temporary lighting system in place for three upcoming nighttime programs at Churchill, Rachel Alexandra went in splits of 12.40 seconds, 24.40, 36.40, 48.40, and 1:00 before galloping out seven furlongs around the clubhouse turn in a strong 1:24.80. Regular exercise rider Dominic Terry was aboard.

She was on the track at ~5:30. Rest of story here: http://www.drf.com/news/article/104674.html

And BH has a photo: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/51245/rachel-alexandra-works-under-lights

[Hermes]

Apparently she DOES like the spotlight(s);)

[FlowerEssence]

I thought she was supposed to get a break. She may not be racing, but this doesn't seem like much of one. :tongue:

[Rick1323]

They are begging for a huge bounce.

[Hermes]

They are begging for a huge bounce.


Why do you say that? Based on the work pattern? Her bounce is good enough to beat the other 3 yr old fillies. This was a sharp work. And gallop out.

[Insane Crazy]

I thought she was supposed to get a break. She may not be racing, but this doesn't seem like much of one. :tongue:


They sound like they're planning for her to go to the Mother Goose in just under 2 weeks. I don't know if it was really supposed to be a layoff, but more of a time where she doesn't race. We'll see how she handles it.

[WesternDreamer]

They are begging for a huge bounce.


The same was said after the Oaks. No 3yo filly is going to beat her even if she bounces...so she wins by 3-4 instead of 8, no biggie.

[Rick1323]

What is the rush? Is there a compelling race in the next few weeks? Why are the screws tight now? I would think a little down time would do her good. I do agree she could bounce and still beat 3YO fillies. But if your goal is the Haskell or Travers why keep her cranked this long.

[Hermes]

What is the rush? Is there a compelling race in the next few weeks? Why are the screws tight now? I would think a little down time would do her good. I do agree she could bounce and still beat 3YO fillies. But if your goal is the Haskell or Travers why keep her cranked this long.


Because it is about Jess and not Rachel? ooohh, did I say that? Sorry.

[Rick1323]

Hermes. BINGO!

[Ezariah]

What is the rush? Is there a compelling race in the next few weeks? Why are the screws tight now? I would think a little down time would do her good. I do agree she could bounce and still beat 3YO fillies. But if your goal is the Haskell or Travers why keep her cranked this long.

Because it is about Jess and not Rachel? ooohh, did I say that? Sorry.


No need to say sorry when you're speaking the truth.

[seahawkgal]

What is the rush? Is there a compelling race in the next few weeks? Why are the screws tight now? I would think a little down time would do her good. I do agree she could bounce and still beat 3YO fillies. But if your goal is the Haskell or Travers why keep her cranked this long.


She hasn't raced since the Preakness. Why is this rushing things?


As far as bouncing goes. She bounced in her last race and still beat the boys. :evil:

[Hermes]

What is the rush? Is there a compelling race in the next few weeks? Why are the screws tight now? I would think a little down time would do her good. I do agree she could bounce and still beat 3YO fillies. But if your goal is the Haskell or Travers why keep her cranked this long.


She hasn't raced since the Preakness. Why is this rushing things?


As far as bouncing goes. She bounced in her last race and still beat the boys. :evil:


Because she has not had one week off from working. That is Asmussen's style. It's about his "program." Not what she was used to. But a very good horse adjusts for the most part.

[Quiet Chris]

The CCA would not be my first choice with her, but the 3yr old fillies are not very good. Could they even get 4 horses in the gate?

The older fillies are very good though. She will have a tough time when she gets in those waters. I think the 3yr old colts would be much easier to beat.

[Hermes]

The CCA would not be my first choice with her, but the 3yr old fillies are not very good. Could they even get 4 horses in the gate?

The older fillies are very good though. She will have a tough time when she gets in those waters. I think the 3yr old colts would be much easier to beat.


I think she might be thought of as vulnerable in MG or CCA if she is ever going to be against her peers... and in the 1 1/4 mile CCA, especially or if there is a decent filly with a pedigree that screams distance.

[Quiet Chris]

The CCA would not be my first choice with her, but the 3yr old fillies are not very good. Could they even get 4 horses in the gate?

The older fillies are very good though. She will have a tough time when she gets in those waters. I think the 3yr old colts would be much easier to beat.


I think she might be thought of as vulnerable in MG or CCA if she is ever going to be against her peers... and in the 1 1/4 mile CCA, especially or if there is a decent filly with a pedigree that screams distance.


I don't see how anyone beats her in the Mother Goose, which is why I think they run her there. The only reason I could see them running in the CCA is to get her a 10f win in a grade 1, although the Alabama would do it, but they may want to go Travers. I would think they would go Haskell instead, but if Quality Road shows up for Pletcher, or if some speedy miler trying to stretch out shows up I would think they opt for the easier spot. I just don't see how any 3yr old filly beats her.

If I had to bet, I would guess she goes MG, CCA, Alabama.

[mariasmon]

She's running in the Mother Goose:

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/51279/mother-goose-next-start-for-rachel-alexandra?utm_source=BreakingNews

[ezgoerbaby]

So are we talking walkover, or will other fillies compete just to get Grade I blacktype on their page?

[Hermes]

Did I just hear all the van reps cell phone ring?

[second_glance]

So are we talking walkover, or will other fillies compete just to get Grade I blacktype on their page?


Oh, having seen what happened to Indian Blessing in her "paid workout", I'm sure some other fillies will show up.

[ezgoerbaby]

So are we talking walkover, or will other fillies compete just to get Grade I blacktype on their page?


Oh, having seen what happened to Indian Blessing in her "paid workout", I'm sure some other fillies will show up.


Yep, true no doubt. That's why they run the races.

[Hermes]

Belmont Park | Posted 6/17/2009, 12:07 pm
Rachel Alexandra to run in Mother Goose
By David Grening
ELMONT, N.Y.

The Mother Goose closed with 24 nominations. Among those confirmed to face Rachel Alexandra in the Mother Goose are Nassau County Stakes winner Flashing, owned by Sheikh Mohammed al-Maktoum's Godolphin Racing, and Malibu Prayer, a Malibu Moon filly who has won her last two starts by a combined 20 1/4 lengths for owner Edward Evans and trainer Todd Pletcher.

[Chiefs Crown]

The real question is, will she face a field of more than 2 or 3 in the Mother Goose? I certainly hope so, but I'd be surprised if it's a field of more than 3 or 4 horses.

[waynetrain2]

I was reading the front page where it listed the top 10 contenders for the Ladies Classic. It had Rachel at #4 and went on to say she has never run on synthetics, but she has. She won impressively at Keeneland while rating off the pace and breaking 1:10 for the 6 F as a 2 year old. So why do people think she can't be great on the synthetic stuff too and really challenge Zenyatta in the Ladies Classic? I am not saying this race proves a whole lot, but it proves that she has an affinity for the stuff.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdI9AOmDUfE

[Hermes]

http://www.drf.com/news/article/104747.html

According to Neema Ghazi, NYRA's director of marketing, several things are in the works to alert fans of Rachel Alexandra's New York debut. Ghazi said an e-mail blast will be sent out to 50,000 fans in the Tri-state area, promoting the race. Ghazi said there will be free admission to all women on Mother Goose Day, and there will be a giveaway of 10,000 pink bracelets with Rachel Alexandra's name on them.

[Ezariah]

there will be a giveaway of 10,000 pink bracelets with Rachel Alexandra's name on them.


Would love to be there to see her race, but that's not going to happen. I'd also like to have one of those bracelets, so I will see if Dianne is going(I know she is without asking) so she can get me one. The admission figures will be highly exaggerated for that day because of those bracelets and by the end of today, there will probably be bracelets being pre-sold on Ebay.

[second_glance]

Rachel's Sandbox?!?!? Oh, good grief.

[Quiet Chris]

NYRA will tell us 20,000 showed up, but they will be lucky if 10,000 real people show up. Nobody cares to see her so much that they are going to give up their Saturday to go to the ghosttown at Belmont.

She would help pack them in at Monmouth for the Haskell or add to the Alabama crowd or Travers crowd at the SPA, but average people do not show up to see a horse at Belmont.

If she was racing against the boys, maybe, but nobody cares about a race like the MG when it is essentially a paid workout.

MTB did nothing for the Belmont attendance, and MTB and Rachel did nothing for the Preakness attendance.

Now if this race was on national TV it might do a decent number because people are willing ti give up 10 minutes of their time in their living room to watch, but people today don't go to the track unless they are regulars.

[DDT]

At least the timing of the announcement gives the NYRA some time to promote the race and they may get a decent turn out, but attendance or the lack of it will not provide the drama for this event. How long is it going to take ole Jess to announce that Calvin is off the horse? Who wants to wager that Calvin will not be aboard Rachel for the Mother Goose?

DDT

[Hermes]

At least the timing of the announcement gives the NYRA some time to promote the race and they may get a decent turn out, but attendance or the lack of it will not provide the drama for this event. How long is it going to take ole Jess to announce that Calvin is off the horse? Who wants to wager that Calvin will not be aboard Rachel for the Mother Goose?

DDT


I say he rides her. But I understand the doubt.

[Slewbopper]

At least the timing of the announcement gives the NYRA some time to promote the race and they may get a decent turn out, but attendance or the lack of it will not provide the drama for this event. How long is it going to take ole Jess to announce that Calvin is off the horse? Who wants to wager that Calvin will not be aboard Rachel for the Mother Goose?

DDT


Will Broadway Calvin have enough sense to accept another mount or two on the card this time around?

[Roc525]

Calvin will retain the mount, but I have feeling that it will be Jess strongly urging him to take other mounts as well. They aren't going to make that mistake again.

[Hermes]

A one turn mile and eighth on Rachel is a far cry from the mile and a half Belmont Stakes. But I bet that agent has found him a mount or two - frankly Asmussen himself can take care of that if he wants to do so.

I hope Calvin stays on her, and think Jackson would not be looked upon kindly if he dumped him now but man, if she loses, heelloo Robby.

[Quiet Chris]

Calvin won't lose the mount and she will go back to her paid public workouts and Calvin will look great. There is no competition for her. She could win with her exercise rider as the jock.

The real test for her will be if she tries the 10f Travers against the boys. I suspect Mr. Sportsman Jess Jackson will not show up and will run Haskell-Alabama. But we won't know what she is made of until she meets Zenyatta or takes on the boys at 10f, especially if Pletcher gets Quality Road on track, which I suspect he will. I think Zenyatta and Rachel are going to have to take on QR in the BCC if they want to be HOY. I still say he will be the 3yr old to beat during the summer and fall.

[Squeaky]

On Belmont bradcast they showed QR's hoof in a close up and it still had a huge crack in it- looked pretty bad still- hopefully healing more by now but not sure I want to really push it on that hoof with fast works, etc

[Quiet Chris]

I don't know what to think of the health of Quality Road, but I sure would not be surprised if he wins the Travers and then the JCGC, setting up on interesting scenario for the BCC.

Any horse that wins those 3 is going to be HOY, regardless of what Zenyatta and Rachel do.

[Rick1323]

Rule number one for identifing a good race horse is they must actually race. I don't accept that QR will win anything till he actually races.

[Quiet Chris]

Last I checked Quality Road is a grade 1 winner and track record holder. That is enough to be considered a good horse. He certainly is not a great horse though.

The fact is he has only been on the sidelines for two months. Horses get sidelined like that all the time.

[Rick1323]

Last I checked Quality Road is a grade 1 winner and track record holder. That is enough to be considered a good horse. He certainly is not a great horse though.

The fact is he has only been on the sidelines for two months. Horses get sidelined like that all the time.




With those feet he will proably never run as well as he did in the Spring.....and he may not make any of the races you seem ready to hand him. I bet he has 2 races left in him tops.

[DDT]

If Quality Road gets healthy and makes the Haskell I think he has a big chance at a mile and an eighth, however, track record notwithstanding, I do not see him winning at a mile and a quarter against his peers let alone older horses.


DDT

[second_glance]

Rachel, Borel are Saratoga bound

Rachel Alexandra arrived in New York on Tuesday and she won't be leaving the state anytime soon.

A day or two after she runs in Saturday's Grade 1 Mother Goose at Belmont Park, Rachel Alexandra will be vanned to Saratoga where she will do the bulk of her training this summer while her connections pick out a next race. Trainer Steve Asmussen said Thursday that it didn't make sense to ship Rachel Alexandra back to Churchill Downs because that meet ends next weekend and Asmussen will be sending horses up to Saratoga shortly thereafter as per usual.

Asmussen also noted that the cooler climate in Saratoga would be more beneficial to his filly than the warmer temperatures in Louisville.

"It's hot back home," he said.

For the second time in two years, Calvin Borel, Rachel Alexandra's regular rider, also will be summering in Saratoga. Not wanting to be too far away from the filly and with commitments to ride several horses for Kentucky-based trainers such as Ian Wilkes, Borel will ride the meet at the Spa. In 2007, Borel won only 9 races from 100 mounts at Saratoga, but those wins included the Jim Dandy and Travers aboard Street Sense, the Alabama aboard Lady Joanne, and the Sword Dancer aboard Grand Couturier.

http://www.drf.com/news/article/104977.html